Camera and image pick-up device unit used therefor having a sealing structure between a dust-proofing member and an image pick-up device

0001The present application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/300,688, filed Nov. 20, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,324,148, which claims the benefit of Japanese Applications No. 2002-126724 filed on Apr. 26, 2002, No. 2002-145249 filed on May 20, 2002, No. 2002-145250 filed on May 20, 2002, No. 2002-145253 filed on May 20, 2002, No. 2002-145254 filed on May 20, 2002, No. 2002-153020 filed on May 27, 2002, and No. 2002-153021 filed on May 27, 2002,

0000the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

00021. Field of the Invention

0003The present invention relates to an image pick-up device unit having an image pick-up device for obtaining an image signal corresponding to light irradiated on a photoelectrically converting surface or a camera having the image pick-up device unit, such as an interchangeable single-lens reflex digital camera. More particularly, the present invention relates to a camera having a dust-proofing construction of the image pick-up device and image pick-up device unit used for the camera.

00042. Description of the Related Art

0005Recently, digital cameras such as a so-called digital still camera or a digital video camera (hereinafter, referred to as a digital camera or simply referred to as a camera) are generally put into practical use and are widely spread. In the digital cameras, a construction is such that a subject image formed based on beams (hereinafter, referred to as subject beams) from a subject, which is transmitted through a photographing optical system (also referred to as a photographing lens), is formed onto a photoelectrically converting surface of a solid image pick-up device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device, hereinafter, briefly referred to as an image pick-up device), which is arranged at a predetermined position. Further, an electrical image signal or the like indicating a desired subject image is generated by using the photoelectrically converting operation of the image pick-up device. A signal based on the image signal and the like is outputted to a predetermined display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and an image or the like is displayed. Another construction is such that the image signal or the like generated by the image pick-up device is recorded to a predetermined recording area of a predetermined recording medium as predetermined-format image data. Further, the image data recorded to the recording medium is read and the image data is converted to become an image signal which is optimum for displaying the image data using the display device. Thereafter, an image corresponding thereto is displayed based on the processed image signal.

0006In general digital cameras have an optical finder device, so that prior to a photographing operation, a desired subject as a photographing target is observed and a photographing range including the subject is set.

0007In general, a so-called single-lens reflex finder device is used as the optical finder device. In this single-lens reflex finder device, the advancing direction of the subject beams which are transmitted through the photographing optical system is bent by using a reflecting member arranged on the optical axis of the photographing optical system so that a subject image for observation is formed at a predetermined position. On the other hand, upon photographing operation, the reflecting member is evacuated from the optical axis of the photographing optical system, thereby guiding the subject beams onto a light receiving surface, that is, a photoelectrically converting surface and forming the subject image for photographing on the photographically converting surface.

0008Furthermore, recently, a so-called interchangeable lens digital camera having the single-lens reflex finder device is generally put into practical use. In the interchangeable lens digital camera, the photographing optical system is detachable to a camera main body, and a plurality of types of the photographing optical systems are selectively used in the single-camera main body by arbitrarily detaching and exchanging a desired photographing optical system in accordance with user's desire.

0009In the above-mentioned interchangeable lens digital camera, dust and the like floating in the air enter the camera main body upon detaching the photographing optical system from the camera main body. Various mechanisms which are mechanically operated such as a shutter and stop mechanisms are arranged in the camera main body and thus, the dust is possibly generated from the various mechanisms during the operation.

0010Upon detaching the photographing optical system from the camera main body, the light receiving surface (also referred to as the photoelectrically converting surface) of the image pick-up device arranged in the rear of the photographing optical system is exposed in the ambient air of the camera. Therefore, dust and the like are adhered to the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device due to electrostatic charge action and the like.

0011Then, for the conventional single-lens reflex digital cameras, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-29132 proposes a technology for suppressing the adhesion of dust and the like to the light receiving surface of the image pick-up device due to the electrostatic charge action.

0012Means disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-29132 suppresses the adhesion of dust and the like to the light receiving surface of the image pick-up device due to the electrostatic charge action by providing a transparent electrode onto the surface of a cover member for covering the light receiving surface of the image pick-up device provided in the camera and by applying to the transparent electrode a DC voltage or an AC voltage with several kHz to 20 kHz.

0013The means for neutralizing charges generated to the image pick-up device disclosed in the above publication suppresses the adhesion of dust and the like to the light receiving surface of the image pick-up device due to static electricity.

0014On the other hand, as the image pick-up device in the conventional digital cameras, a packaged image pick-up device (e.g., referred to as a packaged CCD) is widely used. In addition to the above-mentioned image pick-up device, recently, the supply of a so-called bare CCD chip is proposed.

0015For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 9-130654 discloses means for shaking off dust and the like which are adhered to the photoelectrically converting surface by providing a piezoelectric element between the bare chip CCD and a substrate on which the bare chip CCD is placed and by applying a predetermined voltage to the piezoelectric element, by the reason that dust and the like are, with much possibility, adhered onto the photoelectrically converting surface in the bare chip CCD in many cases.

0016Further, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-298640 proposes means for removing dust and the like adhered to the surface of an optical member such as a low-pass filter arranged in front of the image pick-up device in the conventional interchangeable lens digital cameras.

0017The camera disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-298640 comprises a wiper member as means for removing the dust and the like adhered to the surface of the optical member arranged in front of the image pick-up device.

0018The wiper member grinds the surface of the optical member such as the low-pass filter and moves on the surface, thereby shaking off dust on the surface of the optical member, thus to remove the dust and the like adhered to the surface of the optical member. The dust and the like grinded by the wiper are put into a groove portion of a camera main body, which is formed near the optical member.

0019However, the means disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-29132 suppresses the adhesion of dust and the like by neutralizing charges on the electrostatic charged image pick-up device. Consequently, the means is not optimal as means for removing dust which is adhered or deposited, irrespective of the static electricity, to the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device.

0020Moreover, the means disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 9-130654 is not the best means for applying to the image pick-up device such as the packaged CCD generally used for the conventional digital cameras because the means is devised in view of the bare chip CCD.

0021In other words, when the means disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 9-130654 is applied to the general packaged CCD or the like, vibrations to the image pick-up device or the package are applied. Thus, dangerously, the vibrating action adversely influences on various mechanisms which are arranged to the image pick-up device and near it, for example, to cause deterioration or errors.

0022Furthermore, the means disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-298640 needs a wiper member and a member such as a driving motor for driving the wiper member. The arrangement of the members requires space in the camera. Therefore, there is a problem that the camera itself is increased in size.

0023In addition, with the means disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-298640, dust and the like shaken off by the wiper member are put into the groove portion formed near the optical member. Dust and the like which are put into the groove portion flow into the space of the camera main body again and might be adhered to inner members of the camera main body such as a mirror unit, a shutter unit, and a lens unit for distance measurement, or might be adhered to the optical member again.

0024In this case, dust and the like adhered to the member are photographed as a part of a captured image or cause inconvenience in the operation of the digital camera.

0025In particular, in the single-lens reflex digital cameras in which the photographing lens is interchangeable, the acquisition of a preferable result (captured image) needs the suppression of the input of dust and the like in the camera main body. Consequently, dust and the like adhered to the optical member provided in the image pick-up device must accurately be removed. However, with the above means disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-298640, undesirably, removed dust and the like are adhered again.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0026Accordingly, it is a first object of the present invention to provide a digital camera and an assembly (image pick-up device unit) used for the camera that are detachable in a photographing optical system, in which the adhesion of dust and the like to a photoelectrically converting surface of an image pick-up device is substantially prevented and in which dust and the like adhered to an outer surface of a dust-proofing member for sealing and protecting the image pick-up device are surely removed.

0027Further, it is a second object of the present invention to provide a camera and an image pick-up device unit used for the camera in which the structure is simplified, mechanical accuracy is stably ensured, and manufacturing processing is simplified by devising the structure of a dust-proofing mechanism arranged for removing dust and the like adhered to an optical member arranged in the camera.

0028Furthermore, it is a third object of the present invention to provide a camera having the dust-proofing structure for preventing the adhesion of dust and the like to a photoelectrically converting surface of an image pick-up device and an image pick-up device unit used for the camera, in which the structure is simplified and the manufacturing is easy while proposing fixing means contributing to the improvement in fixing force of a dust-proofing member arranged in front of the image pick-up device and assuring a dust proofing function.

0029It is a fourth object of the present invention to provide a camera and an image pick-up device unit, in which the camera comprises means for removing dust and the like adhered to the surface of an optical member arranged in the camera, and whereby it is possible to suppress the re-adhesion or adhesion of dust and the like shaken off from the surface of the optical member to the surface of the optical member or to other internal constituting members. Thus, preferable photographing operation is always maintained, and a preferable photographing result is always obtained.

0030It is a fifth object of the present invention to provide a camera and an image pick-up device unit used for the camera, in which the camera comprises means for removing dust and the like adhered to the surface of an optical member arranged in the camera, and whereby it is possible to suppress the re-adhesion or adhesion of dust and the like shaken off from the surface of the optical member to the surface of the optical member or to other internal constituting members. Thus, preferable photographing operation is always maintained, and a preferable photographing result is always obtained.

0031It is a sixth object of the present invention to provide a camera using an image pick-up device unit having a dust-proofing member for sealing and protecting a photoelectrically converting surface side of an image pick-up device and a member for vibration for applying vibrations with a predetermined amplitude to the dust-proofing member, wherein the attenuation of vibrations of the dust-proofing member is suppressed with a simple structure, the vibrations of the dust-proofing member are stably assured, and dust and the like adhered to the surface of the dust-proofing member are removed easily and surely.

0032It is a seventh object of the present invention to provide a camera having a dust-proofing structure for preventing the adhesion of dust and the like to a photoelectrically converting surface of an image pick-up device and an image pick-up device unit used for the camera, wherein fixing means for fixing and holding without fail a dust-proofing member and a sealing structure arranged in front of the image pick-up device is proposed and the structure is simplified and the manufacturing is easy while accurately ensuring a sealing structure and a dust-proofing function.

0033Briefly, according to a first aspect of the invention, a camera comprises: an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof; an optical device arranged on the photoelectrically converting surface side of the image pick-up device; a dust-proofing member with a circular or polygonal plate-shape as a whole, comprising a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from the center thereof, opposed to the front side of the optical device at a predetermined interval; a member for vibration arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member; a sealing structure arranged outside a peripheral portion of the optical device or an adjacent portion thereof, which seals a space portion, that is substantially sealed including a void portion formed by opposing the optical device and the dust-proofing member, on a peripheral side of the optical device and the dust-proofing member; and an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording.

0034According to a second aspect of the invention, a camera comprises: an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof; a dust-proofing member with a circular or polygonal plate-shape as a whole, comprising a transparent portion at an area having at least a predetermined length in a radial direction from the center thereof, opposed to the optical device in front thereof at a predetermined interval; a member for vibration arranged at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing member, which applies vibrations to the dust-proofing member; a sealing structure arranged outside a peripheral portion of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device or an adjacent portion thereof, which seals a space portion, that is substantially sealed including a void portion formed by opposing the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device and the dust-proofing member, on a peripheral side of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device and the dust-proofing member; and an image signal processing circuit which converts an image signal obtained from the image pick-up device, corresponding to an image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device, into a signal suitable to recording.

0035According to a third aspect of the invention, an image pick-up device unit comprises: an image pick-up device which obtains an image signal corresponding to beams irradiated onto a photoelectrically converting surface thereof; an optical member opposed to the front side of the image pick-up device at a predetermined interval; a member for vibration arranged at a peripheral portion of the optical member, which applies vibrations to the optical member; a sealing structure arranged outside a peripheral portion of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device to an adjacent portion thereof, which seals a space portion that is substantially sealed at a portion formed by opposing the optical member and the image pick-up device, on a peripheral side of the image pick-up device and the optical member; and a holding structure which presses a peripheral portion of the optical member so as to press and fix the optical member to the sealing structure.

0036The above-mentioned and other objects and benefits of the present invention will be obvious from the following detailed description.

0037That is, according to the present invention, in a camera, in particular, a digital camera, a camera and an assembly used for the camera (image pick-up device unit) are provided, wherein the adhesion of dust and the like onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device is substantially prevented and dust and the like adhered to the outer surface of the dust-proofing member for sealing and protecting the image pick-up device are surely removed.

0038Further, according to the present invention, a camera and an image pick-up device unit used for the camera are provided, wherein the structure is simplified, mechanical accuracy is stably ensured, and manufacturing processing is simplified by devising the structure of the dust-proofing mechanism arranged for removing dust and the like adhered to the optical member arranged in the camera.

0039Furthermore, according to the present invention, there are provided the camera having the dust-proofing structure for preventing the adhesion of dust and the like to the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device and the image pick-up device unit used for the camera, in which the structure is simplified and the manufacturing is easy while proposing fixing means contributing to the improvement in fixing force of the dust-proofing member arranged in front of the image pick-up device and assuring the dust-proofing function.

0040In addition, according to the present invention, a camera and an image pick-up device unit are provided, wherein the camera comprises means for removing dust and the like adhered to the surface of the optical member arranged in the camera, and wherein it is possible to suppress the re-adhesion of dust and the like shaken off from the surface of the optical member to the surface of the optical member and to suppress the adhesion of dust and the like to another internal member, whereby preferable photographing operation is always maintained, and whereby a preferable photographing result is always obtained.

0041In addition, according to the present invention, a camera and an image pick-up device unit used for the camera are provided, wherein the camera comprises means for removing dust and the like adhered to the surface of the optical member arranged in the camera, and wherein it is possible to suppress the re-adhesion of dust and the like shaken off from the surface of the optical member to the surface of the optical member and to suppress the adhesion of dust and the like to another internal member, whereby preferable photographing operation is always maintained, and whereby a preferable photographing result is always obtained.

0042In addition, according to the present invention, a camera using an image pick-up device unit having the dust-proofing member for sealing and protecting the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device and the member for vibration for applying vibrations with the predetermined amplitude to the dust-proofing member, and an image pick-up device unit used for the camera, are provided, wherein the attenuation of vibrations of the dust-proofing member is suppressed with the simple structure, the vibrations of the dust-proofing member are stably assured, and dust and the like adhered to the surface of the dust-proofing member are removed easily and surely.

0043In addition, according to the present invention, a camera having the dust-proofing structure for preventing the adhesion of dust and the like onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device and an image pick-up device unit used for the camera are provided, wherein the fixing means for fixing and holding the dust-proofing member and the sealing structure arranged in front of the image pick-up device without fail is proposed and the structure is simplified and the manufacturing is easy while ensuring the sealing structure and the dust-proofing function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0044<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view schematically showing the internal structure of a camera by cutting off a part of the camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram schematically showing the main electrical structure of the camera shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a diagram showing by extracting a part of an image pick-up device unit in the camera shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and a main-part exploded perspective view showing the disassembled image pick-up device unit;

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a perspective view showing a cut-off part of the assembled image pick-up device unit in the camera shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a sectional view along a cut-off plane of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>;

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a front view showing only a dust-proofing filter and a piezoelectric element integrated to the dust-proofing filter in the image pick-up device unit in the camera shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

0050<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a sectional view along a cut-off line <b>7</b>-<b>7</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, showing the change in status of the dust-proofing filter and the piezoelectric element upon applying a voltage to the piezoelectric element shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>;

0051<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a sectional view along a cut-off line <b>8</b>-<b>8</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, showing the change in status of the dust-proofing filter and the piezoelectric element upon applying the voltage to the piezoelectric element shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>;

0052<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a front view showing by extracting only the dust-proofing filter and the picked-up piezoelectric element integrated to the dust-proofing filter in the image pick-up device unit in the camera shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

0053<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a sectional view along a cut-off line <b>10</b>-<b>10</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, showing another example of the change in status in the dust-proofing filter and the piezoelectric element upon applying the voltage to the piezoelectric element shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>;

0054<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a sectional view along a cut-off line <b>11</b>-<b>11</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, showing another example of the change in status of the dust-proofing filter and the piezoelectric element upon applying the voltage to the piezoelectric element shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>;

0055<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a view showing by extracting a part of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a cut-off part of the assembled image pick-up device unit;

0056<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a sectional view along a cut-off plane shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>;

0057<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a diagram showing by extracting a part of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a cut-off part of the assembled image pick-up device unit;

0058<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a sectional view along a cut-off plane shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>;

0059<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a diagram showing by extracting a part of members forming an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and is a front view showing a dust-proofing filter supporting member (first member) in the members forming the image pick-up device unit;

0060<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is an exploded perspective view showing a dust-filter supporting member and a dust-proofing filter (dust-proofing member) in the members forming the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>;

0061<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a sectional view at a position along a cut-off line <b>18</b>-<b>18</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> when the dust-proofing filter supporting unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is adhered to the dust-proofing filter by an adhesion;

0062<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a sectional view schematically showing by extracting a part of the image pick-up device unit when forming a sealing space in which the dust-proofing filter and a predetermined member for assisting the dust-proofing filter completely seal the front side of the image pick-up device from the outside (according to the first embodiment), and showing a state in which no voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element;

0063<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is a sectional view showing a state in which a positive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element in the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>;

0064<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is a sectional view showing a state in which a negative voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element in the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>;

0065<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a diagram showing by extracting a part of members forming an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and a perspective view showing a CCD case (second member) in the members of the image pick-up device unit;

0066<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is a sectional view at a position along a line <b>23</b>-<b>23</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>;

0067<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> is a perspective view showing by extracting a part of members forming an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, showing by extracting a CCD case (second member) of the members forming the image pick-up device unit;

0068<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> is a sectional view at a position along a line <b>25</b>-<b>25</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>;

0069<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> is a perspective view showing by extracting a part of members forming an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, showing by extracting a dust-proofing supporting member (first member) of the members forming the image pick-up device unit;

0070<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> is a sectional view at a position along a line <b>27</b>-<b>27</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref>;

0071<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> is a perspective view showing by extracting a part of members forming an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, showing by extracting the back side of a CCD case (second member) of the members forming the image pick-up device unit;

0072<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref> is a sectional at a position along a line <b>29</b>-<b>29</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref>;

0073<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref> is a perspective view showing by extracting a part of members forming an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention, showing by extracting the back side of a CCD case (second member) of the members forming the image pick-up device unit;

0074<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref> is a sectional view at a position along a line <b>31</b>-<b>31</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref>;

0075<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref> is a perspective view showing by extracting a part of members forming an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention;

0076<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref> is a sectional view along a line <b>33</b>-<b>33</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref>;

0077<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34</figref> is a perspective view showing by extracting a part of members forming an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention;

0078<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 35</figref> is a sectional view along a line <b>35</b>-<b>35</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34</figref>;

0079<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 36</figref> is a diagram showing by extracting a part of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, showing by extracting a main-part exploded perspective view showing the disassembled image pick-up device unit;

0080<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 37</figref> is a diagram showing by extracting a part of the image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, showing by extracting a front view showing a dust-proofing filter supporting member of the image pick-up device unit;

0081<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 38</figref> is an exploded perspective view showing a dust-proofing supporting member and a dust-proofing filter of the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 37</figref>;

0082<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 39</figref> is a sectional view at a position along a line <b>39</b>-<b>39</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 37</figref>;

0083<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 40</figref> is a diagram showing by extracting a part of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention, specifically, a perspective view showing the adhesion of a dust-proofing filter to a dust-proofing supporting member in the image pick-up device unit;

0084<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 41</figref> is a sectional view along a line <b>41</b>-<b>41</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 40</figref>;

0085<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 42</figref> is a diagram showing by extracting a part of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention, specifically, a main-part exploded perspective view showing the disassembled image pick-up device unit;

0086<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 43</figref> is a perspective view showing a cut-off part when the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 42</figref> is assembled;

0087<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 44</figref> is a sectional view along a cut-off plane shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 43</figref>;

0088<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 45</figref> is a main-part exploded perspective view including a cut-off plane when a part of the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 42</figref> is cut off;

0089<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 46</figref> is a diagram showing by extracting a part of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention, specifically, a main-part perspective view showing the assembled image pick-up device unit;

0090<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 47</figref> is an exploded perspective view showing by extracting a dust-proofing filter supporting member and a dust-proofing filter among the members forming the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 46</figref>;

0091<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 48</figref> is a front view showing by extracting a part of the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 46</figref>;

0092<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 49</figref> is a sectional view along a line <b>49</b>-<b>49</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 48</figref>;

0093<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 50</figref> is a diagram showing by extracting a part of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention, specifically, a perspective view showing the assembled image pick-up device unit;

0094<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 51</figref> is a sectional view showing by extracting a part of an image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 50</figref>;

0095<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 52</figref> is a main-part enlarged perspective view including a cut-off plane when a part of the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 50</figref> is cut off;

0096<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 53</figref> is a diagram showing by extracting a part of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention, specifically, main-part exploded perspective view showing the disassembled image pick-up device unit;

0097<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 54</figref> is a perspective view showing a cut-off part of the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 53</figref> when it is assembled;

0098<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 55</figref> is a perspective view showing an assembling state of the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 53</figref>;

0099<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 56</figref> is a sectional view along a line <b>56</b>-<b>56</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 55</figref>;

0100<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 57</figref> is a perspective view showing by extracting only a dust-proofing filter supporting member among the members forming the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 53</figref>;

0101<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 58</figref> is a main-part enlarged sectional view showing the enlarged structure near a dust receiving unit in the image pick-up device unit applied to a camera according to a twentieth embodiment of the present invention;

0102<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 59</figref> is a diagram showing by extracting a part of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a twenty-first embodiment of the present invention, specifically, a main-part exploded perspective view showing the disassembled image pick-up device unit;

0103<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 60</figref> is a perspective view showing a cut-off part of the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 59</figref> when it is assembled;

0104<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 61</figref> is a sectional view along a cut-off plane shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 60</figref>;

0105<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 62</figref> is a perspective view showing a cut-off part upon assembling a part of an image pick-up device unit (main body unit of a sealing structure and a dust-proofing filter supporting member), a dust-proofing filter, and a piezoelectric element in a camera according to a twenty-second embodiment of the present invention;

0106<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 63</figref> is a sectional view along a line <b>63</b>-<b>63</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 62</figref>;

0107<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 64</figref> is a perspective view showing an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a twenty-third embodiment of the present invention;

0108<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 65</figref> is a sectional view along a line <b>65</b>-<b>65</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 64</figref>;

0109<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 66</figref> is a perspective view of an enlarged portion near a contact portion between a main body of a sealing structure (dust-proofing filter supporting member) and a dust-proofing member (dust-proofing filter) in the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 64</figref>;

0110<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 67</figref> is a sectional view of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention, specifically, a sectional view showing a normal status in which no voltage is applied to a piezoelectric element in the image pick-up device unit;

0111<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 68</figref> is a sectional view showing the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 67</figref>, specifically, a sectional view showing a status in which either of a positive voltage or a negative voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element in the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 67</figref>;

0112<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 69</figref> is a sectional view showing an image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 67</figref>, specifically, a sectional view showing a status in which either of the negative voltage or the positive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element in the image pick-up device unit;

0113<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 70</figref> is a main-part exploded perspective view showing a disassembled image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention;

0114<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 71</figref> is a perspective view showing an enlarged portion near a contact portion between a main body unit of a sealing structure (dust-proofing supporting member) and a dust-proofing member (dust-proofing filter) in the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 70</figref>;

0115<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 72</figref> is a diagram showing by extracting a part of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a twenty-sixth embodiment of the present invention, specifically, a main-part exploded perspective view showing the disassembled image pick-up device unit;

0116<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 73</figref> is a main-part enlarged perspective view showing an enlarged part (an attaching portion of a pressing member and a dust-proofing member) in the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 72</figref>;

0117<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 74</figref> is a main-part exploded perspective view showing a disassembled image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a twenty-seventh embodiment of the present invention;

0118<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 75</figref> is a main-part enlarged sectional perspective view showing an enlarged cross-section of a part (an attaching portion of a dust-proofing member and a pressing member) of the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 74</figref>;

0119<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 76</figref> is a main-part exploded perspective view showing a disassembled image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a twenty-eighth embodiment of the present invention;

0120<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 77</figref> is a main-part enlarged sectional perspective view showing an enlarged cross-section of a part (an attaching portion of a dust-proofing member and a pressing member) of the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 76</figref>;

0121<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 78</figref> is a main-part exploded perspective view showing a disassembled image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a twenty-ninth embodiment of the present invention;

0122<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 79</figref> is a perspective view showing an assembling status of the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 78</figref>;

0123<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 80</figref> is a sectional view along a line <b>80</b>-<b>80</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 79</figref>;

0124<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 81</figref> is a perspective view showing a status of assembling a pressing member to the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 78</figref>;

0125<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 82</figref> is a main-part enlarged sectional perspective view showing an enlarged cross-section of a part (an attaching portion of a dust-proofing member and a pressing member) of the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 78</figref>;

0126<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 83</figref> is a main-part enlarged sectional perspective view showing an enlarged cross-section of a part (an attaching portion of a dust-proofing member and a pressing member) of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a thirtieth embodiment of the present invention;

0127<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 84</figref> is a main-part enlarged sectional perspective view showing an enlarged cross-section of a part (an attaching portion of a dust-proofing member and a pressing member) of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a thirty-first embodiment of the present invention;

0128<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 85</figref> is a perspective view schematically showing an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a thirty-third embodiment of the present invention;

0129<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 86</figref> is a main-part enlarged exploded perspective view showing an enlarged status of a pressing member and a pressing member fixing unit in the image pick-up device unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 85</figref>;

0130<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 87</figref> is an operation diagram showing one procedure for attaching and fixing the pressing member to the pressing member fixing unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 85</figref>;

0131<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 88</figref> is an operation diagram showing another procedure for attaching and fixing the pressing member to the pressing member fixing unit shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 85</figref>;

0132<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 89</figref> is a main-part enlarged exploded perspective view showing a pressing member and a pressing member fixing unit according to a thirty-fourth embodiment of the present invention;

0133<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 90</figref> is a main-part enlarged exploded perspective view showing a pressing member and a pressing member fixing unit according to a thirty-fifth embodiment of the present invention;

0134<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 91</figref> a sectional view showing by extracting only a pressing member according to a thirty-sixth embodiment of the present invention;

0135<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 92</figref> is a sectional view showing by extracting only a pressing member according to a thirty-seventh embodiment of the present invention;

0136<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 93</figref> is a sectional view showing by extracting only a pressing member according to a thirty-eighth embodiment of the present invention;

0137<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 94</figref> is a main-part enlarged sectional view showing an enlarged part of an image pick-up device unit in which the pressing member shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 93</figref> is applied; and

0138<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 95</figref> is a perspective view showing by extracting only a pressing member according to a thirty-ninth embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

0139First, a description is given of the schematic structure of a camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

0140<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> are diagrams showing the schematic structure of the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view schematically showing the internal structure of a cut-off part of the camera, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram schematically mainly showing the electrical structure of the camera.

0141According to the first embodiment, a camera <b>1</b> comprises a camera main body unit <b>11</b> and a lens barrel <b>12</b> which are provided independently. The camera main body unit <b>11</b> and the lens barrel <b>12</b> are detachable.

0142The lens barrel <b>12</b> holds a photographing optical system (photographing lenses) <b>12</b><i>a </i>comprising a plurality of lenses and a driving mechanism of the lenses. The photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>comprises a plurality of optical lenses through which a subject beams are transmitted so as to form the subject image generated by the subject beams at a predetermined position (on a photoelectrically converting surface of an image pick-up device <b>27</b>, which will be described later). The lens barrel <b>12</b> is projected toward the front side of the camera main body unit <b>11</b>.

0143The lens barrel <b>12</b> is a common one used in conventional cameras. Therefore, a description of the detailed structure is omitted.

0144The camera main body unit <b>11</b> is a so-called single-lens reflex camera comprising various members therein, and further having in its front a photographing optical system mounting unit (referred to as a photographing lens mounting unit) <b>11</b><i>a </i>as a connecting member arranging detachably the lens barrel <b>12</b> for holding a photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a. </i>

0145In other words, an opening for exposure having a predetermined diameter for guiding the subject beams into the camera main body unit <b>11</b> is formed substantially in the center in front of the camera main body unit <b>11</b>. The photographing optical system mounting unit <b>11</b><i>a </i>is formed at a peripheral portion of the opening for exposure.

0146The above-mentioned photographing optical system mounting unit <b>11</b><i>a </i>is arranged in front of an outer-surface side of the camera main body unit <b>11</b>. In addition, various operating members for operating the camera main body unit <b>11</b>, e.g., a release button <b>17</b> and the like for generating an instruction signal to start the photographing operation are arranged at a predetermined position on an upper-surface portion or a back-surface portion of the outer-surface side of the camera main body unit <b>11</b>. Since the operating members do not directly relate to the present invention, a description and an illustration of the operating members except for the release button <b>17</b> are omitted for the purpose of preventing the complication of the drawing.

0147Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, in the camera main body unit <b>11</b>, various members are arranged at predetermined positions. For example, the camera main body unit <b>11</b> comprises: a finder device <b>13</b> forming a so-called observation optical system that is provided for forming a desired subject image formed by the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>at a predetermined position different from that on the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>); a shutter unit <b>14</b> having a shutter mechanism and the like for controlling an irradiation time and the like of the subject beams onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>; an image pick-up device unit <b>15</b> as an assembly of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, including the shutter unit <b>14</b>, for obtaining an image signal corresponding to the subject image formed based on the subject beams which are transmitted through the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a</i>, and a dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (which will be described in detail later) having optical members, etc., as a dust-proofing member for preventing the adhesion of dust and the like to the photoelectrically converting surface, arranged at a predetermined position in front of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>; and a plurality of circuit boards (only a main circuit board <b>16</b> is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) such as a main circuit board <b>16</b> on which various electrical members forming an electrical circuit, e.g., an image signal processing circuit <b>16</b><i>a </i>(refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) for various signal processing to the image signal obtained by the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, are mounted.

0148The finder device <b>13</b> comprises a reflecting mirror <b>13</b><i>b </i>for bending and guiding an optical axis of the subject beams transmitted through the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>to an observation optical system side, a roof prism <b>13</b><i>a </i>for receiving the beams outputted from the reflecting mirror <b>13</b><i>b </i>to form an erecting image, an ocular lens <b>13</b><i>c </i>for enlarging the image formed by the roof prism <b>13</b><i>a </i>to form an image best for observation, and the like.

0149The reflecting mirror <b>13</b><i>b </i>is movable between a position evacuated from the optical axis of the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>and a predetermined position on the optical axis, and is arranged at a predetermined angle, e.g., 45° with respect to the optical axis thereof of the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>in a normal status. Thus, the optical axis of the subject beams transmitted through the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>is bent by the reflecting mirror <b>13</b><i>b </i>when the camera <b>1</b> is in the normal status, and is reflected to the roof prism <b>13</b><i>a </i>arranged at an upper position of the reflecting mirror <b>13</b><i>b. </i>

0150Upon executing the photographing operation of the camera <b>1</b>, the reflecting mirror <b>13</b><i>b </i>is moved to a predetermined position evacuated from the optical axis of the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>during the actual exposure operation. Consequently, the subject beams are guided to the side of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> and irradiate the photoelectrically converting surface.

0151The shutter unit <b>14</b> uses a focal plane type shutter mechanism, driving circuit for controlling the operation of the shutter mechanism, etc. which are similar to those generally used in the conventional cameras. Therefore, a description of the detailed structure is omitted.

0152As mentioned above, a plurality of circuit boards arranged in the camera <b>1</b> form various electrical circuits. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, as the electrical structure, the camera <b>1</b> comprises a CPU <b>41</b> as a control circuit for wholly controlling the entire camera <b>1</b>, the image signal processing circuit <b>16</b><i>a </i>for performing various signal processing such as signal processing for converting the image signal obtained by the image pick-up device <b>27</b> to a signal suitable to a recording format, a work memory <b>16</b><i>b </i>for temporarily recording the image signal processed by the image signal processing circuit <b>16</b><i>a</i>, image data, and various information in associated therewith, a recording medium <b>43</b> for recording the image data for recording in a predetermined format generated by the image signal processing circuit <b>16</b><i>a </i>to a predetermined area, a recording medium interface <b>42</b> for electrically connecting the recording medium <b>43</b> to the electrical circuits of the camera <b>1</b>, a display unit <b>46</b> comprising a liquid crystal display device (LCD) for displaying the image, a display circuit <b>47</b> for electrically connecting the display unit <b>46</b> to the camera <b>1</b>, receiving the image signal processed by the image signal processing circuit <b>16</b><i>a</i>, and generating an image signal optimal to display the display operation by using the display unit <b>46</b>, a battery <b>45</b> comprising a secondary battery such as a dry cell, a power supply circuit <b>44</b> for receiving power from the battery <b>45</b> or from external power supply (AC) supplied by a predetermined connection cable (not shown), controlling the power to match the operation of the camera <b>1</b>, and supplying electricity to the electrical circuits, a dust-proofing driving unit <b>48</b> as the electrical circuit for driving the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> included in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>, comprising an oscillator, and the like.

0153Next, a detailed description is given of the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b> in the camera <b>1</b> according to the first embodiment.

0154<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 to 5</figref> are diagrams showing by extracting a part of the image pick-up device unit in the camera <b>1</b> according to the first embodiment. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a main-part exploded perspective view showing the schematic structure of the disassembled image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a perspective view showing a cut-off part of the assembled image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a sectional view along a cut-off plane.

0155According to the first embodiment, the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b> in the camera <b>1</b> is a unit comprising a plurality of members including the shutter unit <b>14</b> as mentioned above. However, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 to 5</figref>, the main portion is only shown and an illustration of the shutter unit <b>14</b> is omitted.

0156Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 to 5</figref>, for the purpose of showing a positional relationship of the members, being the image pick-up device <b>27</b> loaded and provided near the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>, a main circuit board <b>16</b> on which the image pick-up system electrical circuits comprising the image signal processing circuit <b>16</b><i>a </i>and the work memory <b>16</b><i>b </i>are mounted is illustrated.

0157The main circuit board <b>16</b> is one of main circuit boards generally used in the conventional cameras, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

0158The image pick-up device unit <b>15</b> comprises: the image pick-up device <b>27</b> comprising the CCD and the like, which obtains the image signal corresponding to the light transmitted through the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>and irradiated to the photoelectrically converting surface thereof; an image pick-up device fixing plate <b>28</b> comprising a thin-sheet member for fixing and supporting the image pick-up device <b>27</b>; an optical low-pass filter (hereinafter, referred to as an optical LPF) <b>25</b> arranged on the side of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, as an optical device which is formed to remove high frequency components from the subject beams transmitted and irradiated through the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a</i>; a low-pass filter supporting member <b>26</b> provided in the periphery between the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, which is made of substantially frame-shaped elastic members; an image pick-up device accommodating case member <b>24</b> (a second member which will be described later, hereinafter, referred to as a CCD case <b>24</b>) which accommodates, fixes, and holds the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, supports the optical LPF <b>25</b> (optical device) in contact with a peripheral portion or an adjacent portion of the optical LPF <b>25</b>, and which comes into closely contact with a dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> (first member described later) constituting a part of a sealing structure at a predetermined portion; the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> (first member) which comes into contact with a dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (dust-proofing member) arranged in front of the CCD case <b>24</b> at a peripheral portion or an adjacent portion thereof and supports it; the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> as an optical member and a dust-proofing member, opposed and arranged to the front of the optical LPF <b>25</b> at a predetermined position having a predetermined interval on the photoelectrically converting surface side of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, which is supported by the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>; the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> arranged to a surface opposed to the image pick-up device <b>27</b> at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, as a member for vibration for applying predetermined vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, comprising an electromechanical transducer such as piezoelectric ceramics; a pressing member <b>20</b> comprising an elastic member which airtightly joints the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>, and the like.

0159The image pick-up device <b>27</b> obtains the image signal corresponding to the subject image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface thereof by receiving the subject beams transmitted through the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>onto the photoelectrically converting surface thereof and by performing photoelectrically converting processing, and uses, e.g., a CCD (Charge Coupled Device).

0160The image pick-up device <b>27</b> is mounted at a predetermined position on the main circuit board <b>16</b> with the image pick-up device fixing plate <b>28</b> interposed therebetween. As mentioned above, the image signal processing circuit <b>16</b><i>a</i>, the work memory <b>16</b><i>b</i>, etc. are mounted on the main circuit board <b>16</b> so that an output signal from the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, that is, the image signal obtained by the photoelectrically converting processing is electrically transmitted to the image signal processing circuit <b>16</b><i>a </i>or the like.

0161The signal processing in the image signal processing circuit <b>16</b><i>a </i>includes various signal processing, for example, processing in which the image signal obtained from the image pick-up device <b>27</b> is converted, by the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>held in the lens barrel <b>12</b> loaded to the photographing optical system mounting unit <b>11</b><i>a</i>, into a signal matching the recording, corresponding to the image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>. The above-mentioned signal processing is the same as processing for treating a digital image signal, which is usually performed in the general digital cameras. Therefore, a detailed description of various signal processing which is usually executed in the camera <b>1</b> is omitted.

0162The optical LPF <b>25</b> is arranged in front of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> via the low-pass filter supporting member <b>26</b> interposed. The CCD case <b>24</b> is arranged to cover the optical LPF <b>25</b>.

0163That is, an opening <b>24</b><i>c </i>which is rectangular-shaped is provided substantially in the center for the CCD case <b>24</b>. The optical LPF <b>25</b> and the image pick-up device <b>27</b> are arranged from the back side of the opening <b>24</b><i>c</i>. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref>, a step portion <b>24</b><i>a </i>whose cross section is substantially L-shaped is formed at an inner peripheral portion of the back side of the opening <b>24</b><i>c. </i>

0164As mentioned above, the low-pass filter supporting member <b>26</b> made of the elastic member or the like is arranged between the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the image pick-up device <b>27</b>. In the peripheral portion in front of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, the low-pass filter supporting member <b>26</b> is arranged within a valid range of the photoelectrically converting surface, in other words, at a position for evacuating the valid beams incident on the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, and is abutted onto an adjacent portion of the periphery behind the optical LPF <b>25</b>. The airtightness is substantially held between the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the image pick-up device <b>27</b>. Thus, elastic force generated by the low-pass filter supporting member <b>26</b> acts to the optical LPF <b>25</b> in the optical axis direction.

0165Then, the peripheral portion in front of the optical LPF <b>25</b> airtightly comes into contact with the step portion <b>24</b><i>a </i>of the CCD case <b>24</b>. Thus, the position of the optical LPF <b>25</b> in the optical axis direction is regulated against the elastic force which is generated by the low-pass filter supporting member <b>26</b> and which displaces the optical LPF <b>25</b> in the optical axis direction.

0166In other words, the optical LPF <b>25</b> inserted from the back side in the opening <b>24</b><i>c </i>of the CCD case <b>24</b> is subjected to the position regulation in the optical direction by using the step portion <b>24</b><i>a</i>. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the optical LPF <b>25</b> from breaking away from the inside of the CCD case <b>24</b> to the front side.

0167As mentioned above, after inserting the optical LPF <b>25</b> in the opening <b>24</b><i>c </i>of the CCD case <b>24</b> from the back side, the image pick-up device <b>27</b> is arranged on the back side of the optical LPF <b>25</b>. In this case, the low-pass filter supporting member <b>26</b> is sandwiched between the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the image pick-up device <b>27</b> in the peripheral portion of the low-pass filter supporting member <b>26</b>.

0168As mentioned above, the image pick-up device <b>27</b> is mounted on the main circuit board <b>16</b> via the image pick-up device fixing plate <b>28</b> interposed. The image pick-up device fixing plate <b>28</b> is fixed to a screw hole <b>24</b><i>e </i>from the back of the CCD case <b>24</b> via a spacer <b>28</b><i>a </i>interposed by a screw <b>28</b><i>b</i>. The main circuit board <b>16</b> is fixed to the image pick-up device fixing plate <b>28</b> via a spacer <b>16</b><i>c </i>interposed by a screw <b>16</b><i>d. </i>

0169In front of the CCD case <b>24</b>, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> is fixed to the screw hole <b>24</b><i>b </i>of the CCD case <b>24</b> by a screw <b>23</b><i>b</i>. In this case, a circumferential groove <b>24</b><i>d </i>is substantially annularly formed at a predetermined position in front of the CCD case <b>24</b> in the peripheral side thereof, as will be described in detail in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref>. On the other hand, at a predetermined position on the back and the peripheral side of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>, an annular convex portion <b>23</b><i>d </i>(not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) corresponding to the circumferential groove <b>24</b><i>d </i>of the CCD <b>24</b> is formed throughout the circumference with a substantially annular shape. By fitting the annular convex portion <b>23</b><i>d </i>to the circumferential groove <b>24</b><i>d</i>, the CCD case <b>24</b> is airtightly fit to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> in an annular area, that is, in an area in which the circumferential groove <b>24</b><i>d </i>and the annular convex portion <b>23</b><i>d </i>are formed.

0170The dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is circularly or polygonally plate-shaped as a whole, and at least an area having a predetermined spread in a radial direction from the center of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> forms a transparent portion. The transparent portion is opposed and arranged to the front of the optical LPF <b>25</b> at a predetermined interval. The transparent portion is formed such that the valid beams incident on the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> from the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>(photographing lens) can be transmitted.

0171At a peripheral portion of one surface (back surface according to the first embodiment) of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, integrally therewith, the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> formed annularly and including an electromechanical transducer and the like, is integrally arranged therewith as a predetermined member for vibration for applying the vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, by means of adhesion using an adhesive. The piezoelectric element <b>22</b> is constituted so as to generate predetermined vibrations in the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by applying a predetermined driving voltage from the outside.

0172The dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is fixed and held by the pressing member <b>20</b> made of the elastic member such as a plate-shaped spring so as to airtightly joint to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>.

0173A circular or polygonal opening <b>23</b><i>f </i>is provided substantially in the center of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>. Through the opening <b>23</b><i>f</i>, the subject beams which are transmitted through the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>pass, and the opening <b>23</b><i>f </i>has a size large enough to irradiate the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> at the back.

0174A wall portion <b>23</b><i>e </i>(refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref>) projecting in front is annularly formed at a peripheral portion of the opening <b>23</b><i>f</i>. Further, a supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c </i>is formed so that it projects towards the front side at the edge of the wall portion <b>23</b><i>e. </i>

0175A plurality of projecting portions <b>23</b><i>a </i>(three projecting portions according to the first embodiment) with an almost rectangular shape are formed to project toward the front side, near an outer peripheral portion in front of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>. The projecting portion <b>23</b><i>a </i>is a portion formed to fix the pressing member <b>20</b> for fixing and holding the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. The pressing member <b>20</b> is fixed by fastening means such as a fixing screw <b>20</b><i>a </i>to the edge of the projecting portions <b>23</b><i>a</i>. That is, the projecting portion <b>23</b><i>a </i>is a supporting member for attaching the pressing member <b>20</b>.

0176The pressing member <b>20</b> is a member made of the elastic member such as a plate spring, and a base end portion of the pressing member <b>20</b> is fixed to the projecting portions <b>23</b><i>a</i>. Further, a free end portion thereof is abutted on an outer peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, thereby pressing the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> toward the side of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>, that is, in the optical axis direction.

0177In this case, a predetermined portion of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> arranged at the outer peripheral portion at the back of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is abutted to the supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c</i>, thereby regulating the positions of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> in the optical axis direction. Therefore, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is fixed and held to airtightly come into contact with the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> with the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> interposed therebetween.

0178In other words, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> is airtightly jointed to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> via the interposed piezoelectric element <b>22</b> by a pressing force generated by the pressing member <b>20</b>.

0179As mentioned above, with respect to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> and the CCD case <b>24</b>, the circumferential groove <b>24</b><i>d </i>and the annular convex portion <b>23</b><i>d </i>(refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref>) are airtightly fixed. Further, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> is airtightly jointed to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> via the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> interposed by the pressing force generated by the pressing member <b>20</b>.

0180The optical LPF <b>25</b> arranged to the CCD case <b>24</b> is airtightly arranged between the peripheral portion in front of the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the step portion <b>24</b><i>a </i>of the CCD case <b>24</b>. Further, the image pick-up device <b>27</b> is arranged at the back of the optical LPF <b>25</b> via the low-pass filter supporting member <b>26</b> interposed. The airtightness is substantially held between the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the image pick-up device <b>27</b>.

0181Therefore, in a space formed by opposing the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, a predetermined void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>is formed. A space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>is formed at the peripheral side of the optical LPF <b>25</b>, that is, formed by the CCD case <b>24</b>, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>, and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. The space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>is a sealed space formed to project toward the outside of the optical LPF <b>25</b> (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref>). Further, the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>is set to be wider than the void portion <b>51</b><i>a</i>. A space containing the void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>and the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>constitutes a sealing space <b>51</b> which is substantially airtightly sealed by the CCD case <b>24</b>, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, and the optical LPF <b>25</b> as mentioned above.

0182As mentioned above, according to the first embodiment, the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b> in the camera is constituted by the sealing structure forming the sealing space <b>51</b> which includes the void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>and substantially sealed and the sealing structure is formed in the periphery of the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0183According to the first embodiment, the sealing structure further comprises the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> as the first member for supporting the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> in contact with the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion thereof, and the CCD case <b>24</b> as the second member which supports the optical LPF <b>25</b> in contact with area of the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion thereof and which is arranged airtightly in contact with the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> (first member) at the predetermined portion of the CCD case <b>24</b>.

0184According to the first embodiment, in the camera with the above-mentioned structure, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is opposed at a predetermined position to the front of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, and the sealing space <b>51</b> at the periphery of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is sealed. Consequently, the adhesion of dust, etc. to the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> is prevented.

0185By applying a periodic voltage to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> arranged integrally with the periphery portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and by applying predetermined vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, dust and the like to be adhered to the exposure surface in front of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> are removed.

0186<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a front view showing by extracting only the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> arranged integrally therewith in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b> in the camera <b>1</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 and 8</figref> shows the change in status of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> upon applying the driving voltage to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, in which <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a sectional view along a line <b>7</b>-<b>7</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a sectional view along a line <b>8</b>-<b>8</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>.

0187When a negative (−) voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is modified as shown by a solid line in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 and 8</figref>. On the other hand, when a positive (+) voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is modified as shown by a dotted line in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 and 8</figref>.

0188In this case, the amplitude is substantially equal to zero at a node position of the vibration as shown by reference symbols <b>21</b><i>a </i>shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 to 8</figref>. Thus, the supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c </i>of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> is abutted to a portion corresponding to the node <b>21</b><i>a</i>. Consequently, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is efficiently supported without reducing the vibrations.

0189In this status, the CPU <b>41</b> controls the dust-proofing filter driving unit <b>48</b> (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) at a predetermined timing and applies the periodic voltage to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>, thereby vibrating the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. Thus, it is possible to remove the dust and the like which are adhered to the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0190A resonant frequency in this case is determined depending on the plate thickness, the material, and the shape of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. In one example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 to 8</figref>, a first-degree vibration is generated and the present invention is not limited to this. However, a high-degree vibration may be generated.

0191In another example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9 to 11</figref>, a second-degree vibration is generated to the dust-proofing filter with the same structure as that in the one example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 to 8</figref>.

0192In this case, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a front view showing by extracting only the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> integrally arranged to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b> in the camera <b>1</b>, similarly to the example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref> show the change in status of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> when the voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, in which <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a sectional view along a line <b>10</b>-<b>10</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a sectional view along a line <b>11</b>-<b>11</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>.

0193Herein, when a negative (−) voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is modified as shown by a solid line in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref>. On the other hand, when a positive (+) voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is modified as shown by a dotted line in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref>.

0194In this case, as shown by reference symbols <b>21</b><i>a </i>and <b>21</b><i>b </i>shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9 to 11</figref>, the vibration has a two pairs of nodes. By setting the supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c </i>of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> such that it is abutted to a portion corresponding to the joint <b>21</b><i>a</i>, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is efficiently supported without reducing the vibration similarly to the above-described example shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 to 8</figref>.

0195In this status, the CPU <b>41</b> controls the dust-proofing filter driving unit <b>48</b> (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) at a predetermined timing and applies the periodic voltage to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>, thereby vibrating the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. Thus, it is possible to remove dust and the like which are adhered to the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0196When a first-degree vibration is generated as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 to 8</figref>, in the sealing space <b>51</b>, the amplitude of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> generates the change in volume shown by a reference symbol C. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9 to 11</figref>, when a second-degree vibration is generated, the change in volume in the sealing space <b>51</b> generated by the amplitude of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is obtained by subtracting an area shown by a reference symbol D<b>2</b>×2 from an area shown by a reference symbol D<b>1</b>, that is, <br />D1−(D2×2).

0197The smaller the change in volume to the sealing space <b>51</b> is, the smaller the change in inner pressure in the sealing space <b>51</b> is. Therefore, it will be understood that, the smaller the change in volume of the sealing space <b>51</b> is, the more efficient vibration can be obtained. Thus, in view of the efficiency of the electromechanical transducing, it is preferable to set the generated vibration to a high-degree vibration mode.

0198As mentioned above, according to the first embodiment, the sealing structure for sealing the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>at the peripheral side of the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is provided outside from the peripheral or the adjacent portion of the optical LPF <b>25</b> so as to form the sealing space <b>51</b> which is substantially sealed and includes the void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>formed by opposing the optical LPF <b>25</b> (optical device) and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (dust-proofing member). Therefore, in the case of ensuring a predetermined volume of the space portion, a gap between the optical LPF <b>25</b> (optical device) and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (dust-proofing member) can be set to be short.

0199In general, if the gap between the optical LPF <b>25</b> (optical device) and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (dust-proofing member) is set to be short, the volume of the void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>is small. Thus, it is well known that the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> (member for vibration) causes the inner pressure of the sealing space <b>51</b> to be increased upon applying the vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. However, when the inner pressure of the sealing space <b>51</b> is high, the vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> generated by the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> tends to be reduced.

0200On the other hand, if the gap between the optical LPF <b>25</b> (optical device) and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (dust-proofing member) is set to be long, the dimension of the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b> in the optical axis direction is also increased. This causes an obstruction against making a small size of the camera <b>1</b> in the optical axis direction.

0201According to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the increase in dimension of the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b> in the optical axis direction without reducing the vibrations of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> generated by the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> while sufficiently assuring the volume of the sealing space <b>51</b>, by providing the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>outside from the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion of the optical LPF <b>25</b>. Therefore, easily, the above-described arrangement of the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>contributes to making a compact size of the camera <b>1</b> in the optical axis direction.

0202According to the first embodiment, in the camera <b>1</b>, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> and the CCD case <b>24</b> are formed independently, and they almost airtightly fit to each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> and the CCD case <b>24</b> may integrally be formed as one member. A second embodiment of the present invention, which will be described hereinbelow, is described as an example thereof.

0203That is, the structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as that according to the first embodiment. Unlike the structure of the first embodiment, in place of the dust-proofing filter supporting member (<b>23</b>) as the first member and the CCD case (<b>24</b>) as the second member according to the first embodiment, a member formed by integrating the first member and the second member is applied according to the second embodiment. Therefore, the same structure as that according to the first embodiment is not described in detail and are designated by the same reference numerals. The structure of the entire camera is not illustrated and is referred to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>.

0204<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref> are diagrams showing by extracting a part of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a perspective view showing a cut-off part of the assembled image pick-up device unit, corresponding to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> according to the first embodiment. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a sectional view along a cut-off plane shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>, corresponding to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> according to the first embodiment.

0205Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref>, similarly to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref> according to the first embodiment, only a main portion of an image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>A is extracted to illustrate and the shutter unit (<b>14</b>) is not shown. For the purpose of showing the positional relationship of the members, the main circuit board <b>16</b> is shown together.

0206As mentioned above, in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>A according to the second embodiment, in place the dust-proofing filter supporting member (<b>23</b>; first member) and the CCD case (<b>24</b>; second member) according to the first embodiment, the member formed by integrating the first member and the second member, that is, a dust-proofing filter supporting and CCD case <b>33</b> (hereinafter, briefly referred to as a CCD case) <b>33</b> is arranged.

0207The CCD case <b>33</b> integrally includes a first portion and a second portion. That is, the first portion functions as the dust-proofing filter supporting unit for supporting the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> in contact with the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. The second portion functions as the image pick-up device accommodating case unit for accommodating, fixing, and holding the image pick-up device <b>27</b> and for supporting the optical LPF <b>25</b> in contact with the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion of the optical LPF <b>25</b>. Thus, the sealing structure is formed.

0208In the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>A of the camera according to the second embodiment, the sealing structure is formed as follows.

0209That is, a predetermined void portion <b>51</b>Aa is formed in a space formed by opposing the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. On the peripheral side of the optical LPF <b>25</b>, a space portion <b>51</b>Ab is formed by the CCD case <b>33</b> and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> to be extended towards the outside of the optical LPF <b>25</b>. The space portion <b>51</b>Ab is set to be wider than the void portion <b>51</b>Aa. A space containing the void portion <b>51</b>Aa and the space portion <b>51</b>Ab corresponds to a sealing space <b>51</b>A which is substantially airtightly sealed by the CCD case <b>33</b>, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, and the optical LPF <b>25</b>.

0210As mentioned above, in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>A in the camera according to the second embodiment, the sealing structure includes the sealing space <b>51</b>A which is formed at the periphery of the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and which is substantially sealed, including the void portion <b>51</b>Aa. The sealing structure is provided at the position outside the periphery or the adjacent portion of the optical LPF <b>25</b>.

0211Further, according to the second embodiment, the sealing structure includes the CCD case <b>33</b>. The CCD case <b>33</b> integrally includes the first portion for supporting the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> in contact with the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the second portion for supporting the optical LPF <b>25</b> in contact with the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion of the optical LPF <b>25</b>.

0212Other structures are the same as those according to the first embodiment. The same advantages as those according to the first embodiment are obtained upon removing dust and the like adhered to the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by applying the vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by using the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>.

0213As mentioned above, according to the second embodiment, the same advantages as those according to the first embodiment are obtained.

0214Simultaneously, according to the second embodiment, the sealing structure is simplified and the number of parts is reduced because the sealing structure integrally includes the first portion functioning as the dust-proofing filter supporting unit for supporting the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> in contact with the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the second portion functioning as the image pick-up device accommodating case unit for accommodating, fixing, and holding the image pick-up device <b>27</b> and for supporting the optical LPF <b>25</b> in contact with the peripheral portion and the adjacent portion of the optical LPF <b>25</b>. Further, the above-mentioned sealing structure contributes to the reduction in manufacturing costs and the simplification in manufacturing processes.

0215The camera according to the first embodiment has the optical low-pass filter (optical LPF; optical device). However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to an image pick-up device unit in a camera having no optical LPF.

0216In the case of a digital camera using a numerous-pixel type image pick-up device in which the number of valid pixels (the number of pixels used for formation of image data) of the image pick-up device exceeds the resolution of the lens, the image pick-up device unit is formed by excluding the optical LPF in front of the image pick-up device. The present invention can easily be applied in the above-mentioned case. According to a third embodiment, an example will be described hereinbelow.

0217In other words, the structure according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as that according to the second embodiment. Unlike the second embodiment, the optical LPF (<b>25</b>) according to the second embodiment is excluded and a CCD case <b>34</b> for supporting the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and for fixing and holding the image pick-up device <b>27</b> and the optical LPF (<b>25</b>) is used in place of the CCD case (<b>33</b>) for fixing and holding the image pick-up device <b>27</b> and the optical LPF (<b>25</b>). Other structures are the same as those according to the second embodiment. Therefore, the same structure as that according to the second embodiment is designated by the same reference numeral and is not described in detail. The structure of the entire camera is not illustrated similarly to the second embodiment and is referred to in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> using for the description of the first embodiment.

0218<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14 and 15</figref> are diagrams showing by extracting a part of the image pick-up device unit in the camera according to the third embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a perspective view showing a cut-off part of the assembled image pick-up device unit, corresponding to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> according to the first embodiment or to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> according to the second embodiment. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a sectional view along a cut-off plane shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, corresponding to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> according to the first embodiment or to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> according to the second embodiment.

0219Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14 and 15</figref>, similarly to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref> according to the first embodiment and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref> according to the second embodiment, only a main portion of an image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>B is extracted to be shown and the shutter unit (<b>14</b>) is not shown. Similarly, the main circuit board <b>16</b> is illustrated for the purpose of showing the positional relationship of the members.

0220As mentioned above, according to the third embodiment, the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>B is formed by excluding the optical LPF <b>25</b> in the camera <b>1</b> according to the first embodiment. Further, similarly to the second embodiment, the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>B comprises a dust-proofing filter supporting and CCD case (hereinafter, simply referred to a CCD case) <b>34</b>, as a member formed by integrating the dust-proofing filter supporting member (<b>23</b>; first member) and the CCD case (<b>24</b>; second member) according to the first embodiment, without using both of the members.

0221The CCD case <b>34</b> integrally includes a first portion and a second portion. That is, the first portion functions as the dust-proofing filter supporting unit for supporting the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> in contact with the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. The second portion functions as the image pick-up device accommodating case unit for supporting the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> in contact with the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>. Thus, the sealing structure is formed.

0222The sealing structure in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>B in the camera is structured as follows according to the third embodiment.

0223That is, a predetermined void portion <b>51</b>Ba is formed in a space formed by opposing the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. A space portion <b>51</b>Bb includes the CCD case <b>34</b> and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, extending to the outside of the photoelectrically converting surface on the peripheral side of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>. The space portion <b>51</b>Bb is set to be wider than the void portion <b>51</b>Ba. A space containing the void portion <b>51</b>Ba and the space portion <b>51</b>Bb forms a sealing space <b>51</b>B which is substantially airtightly sealed by the CCD case <b>34</b>, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, and the image pick-up device <b>27</b>.

0224As mentioned above, in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>B in the camera according to the third embodiment, the sealing structure includes the sealing space <b>51</b>B which is formed at the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> and at the periphery of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, which contains the void portion <b>51</b>Ba, and which is substantially sealed. The sealing structure is provided at the position outside the periphery or adjacent portion of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>.

0225Further, according to the third embodiment, the sealing structure includes the CCD case <b>34</b> which is formed by integrating the first portion and the second portion. That is, the first portion supports the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> in contact with the peripheral or the adjacent portion thereof. The second portion supports the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> in contact with the peripheral or the adjacent portion thereof.

0226According to the third embodiment, the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>B is formed by excluding the optical device as mentioned above. Therefore, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> has a transparent portion which is arranged and opposed to the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> in front thereof at a predetermined interval.

0227Other structures are the same as those according to the first and second embodiments. The piezoelectric element <b>22</b> applies the vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, thereby obtaining the same advantages as those according to the first and second embodiments upon removing dust and the like which are adhered to the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0228As mentioned above, according to the third embodiment, the same advantages as those according to the second embodiment are obtained in a camera which applies the image pick-up device unit excluding the optical LPF <b>25</b>.

0229Namely, according to the third embodiment, the above-mentioned sealing structure integrally comprises the first portion and the second portion. The first portion functions as the dust-proofing filter supporting unit for supporting the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> in contact with the peripheral or the adjacent portion thereof and the second portion functions as the image pick-up device accommodating case unit for supporting the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> in contact with the peripheral or the adjacent portion thereof. Advantageously, the sealing structure is simplified and the number of members is reduced. Further, advantageously, the manufacturing process is simplified and the manufacturing cost is reduced.

0230According to the third embodiment, as an example, the camera is formed by excluding the low-pass filter (optical LPF; optical device) according to the first embodiment and the sealing structure comprises the CCD case (<b>34</b>) which integrally includes the first portion for supporting the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the second portion for supporting the image pick-up device <b>27</b>. However, the present invention is not limited to the example and, in the image pick-up device unit of the camera having no optical LPF, the dust-proofing filter supporting member (<b>23</b>) and the CCD case (<b>24</b>) are independently formed similarly to the first embodiment and they further are airtightly fit to each other. Next, an example of the foregoing will be described according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

0231In other words, the structure according to the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as that according to the first embodiment. However, unlike the first embodiment, the optical LPF (<b>25</b>) according to the first embodiment is excluded and the sealing structure includes the dust-proofing filter supporting member (<b>23</b>) as the first member for supporting the dust-proofing filter (<b>21</b>) corresponding to the removal of the optical LPF (<b>25</b>) in contact with the peripheral or the adjacent portion of the dust-proofing filter (<b>21</b>) and the CCD case (<b>24</b>) as the second member for supporting the image pick-up device (<b>27</b>) at the peripheral or the adjacent portion of the photoelectrically converting surface thereof. Therefore, the same structure as that according to the first embodiment is referred to the drawings used for the description of the first embodiment.

0232In this case, the sealing structure has the space portion (<b>51</b><i>b</i>) extending to the outside of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, and the space portion (<b>51</b><i>b</i>) is wider than the space containing the air gap portion (<b>51</b><i>a</i>) formed by opposing the dust-proofing filter (<b>21</b>) and the image pick-up device (<b>27</b>), similarly to the third embodiment.

0233As mentioned above, according to the fourth embodiment, the same advantages as those according to the first to third embodiment are obtained.

0234On the other hand, in the camera according to the first embodiment, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> are airtightly jointed via the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> interposed by using the pressing force of the pressing member <b>20</b> as the elastic member. However, means for airtightly jointing the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is not limited to the above example. For example, in place of the pressing member <b>20</b> (elastic member), the dust-proofing filter and the dust-proofing filter supporting member may be jointed by using adhesion force which is generated by the adhesive. A fifth embodiment of the present invention described in the following is the example.

0235According to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, basically, the structure is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. However, unlike the structure according to the first embodiment, in place of the pressing member <b>20</b> according to the first embodiment, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> are airtightly jointed via the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> interposed by using the adhesive. In accordance therewith, the dust-proofing filter supporting member is different from that according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the same structure as that according to the first embodiment is designated by the same reference numeral and is not described in detail. The structure of the entire camera is substantially the same as that according to the first embodiment, therefore, is not illustrated, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> used for the description according to the first embodiment are referred.

0236<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16 to 18</figref> are diagrams showing by extracting a part of members forming an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a front view showing the dust-proofing filter supporting member (first member) among the members forming the image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is an exploded perspective view showing the dust-proofing filter supporting member and the dust-proofing filter (dust-proofing member) among the members forming the image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a sectional view at a position along a line <b>18</b>-<b>18</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> when the dust-proofing filter supporting member and the dust-proofing filter are jointed by the adhesive.

0237In the image pick-up device unit (<b>15</b>) in the camera according to the fifth embodiment, as mentioned above, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and a dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A are airtightly jointed via the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> interposed by using an adhesive <b>31</b>.

0238Thus, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A is formed as follows. That is, similarly to the first embodiment, a circular or polygonal opening <b>23</b>Af is pierced substantially in the center of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A. Similarly to the opening according to the first embodiment, the opening <b>23</b>Af has a size large enough to pass through the subject beams transmitted through the photographing optical system (<b>12</b><i>a</i>) and to irradiate the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> at the back.

0239A wall portion <b>23</b>Ae projecting on the front side is substantially annularly formed at the peripheral portion of the opening <b>23</b>Af. A supporting portion <b>23</b>Ac is formed at the edge portion of the wall portion <b>23</b>Ae, projecting to the front side (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16 to 18</figref>).

0240A plurality of (three, according to the fifth embodiment) projecting portions <b>23</b>Aa are formed at predetermined positions near an outer peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A, projecting to the front side thereof. The projecting portions <b>23</b>Aa function as positional regulating members for positioning when the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is arranged to adhere to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A.

0241The dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is adhered to the front side of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A via the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> interposed by the adhesive <b>31</b>.

0242In this case, the adhesive <b>31</b> is applied in an annular area throughout the entire region excluding the supporting portion <b>23</b>Ac at the edge portion of the wall portion <b>23</b>Ae in the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A. In this status, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is adhered from the front side of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A. In this case, by moving the outer peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> along the projecting portions <b>23</b>Aa in the optical axis direction, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is arranged at the predetermined position of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>, the supporting portions <b>23</b>Ac are abutted against predetermined positions (portions as nodes upon vibration) of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (actually, of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>).

0243Thus, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A is airtightly jointed to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by the adhesive <b>31</b> in the annular area near the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, that is, at the edge portion of the wall portion <b>23</b>Ae.

0244Other structures are substantially the same as those according to the first embodiment. By applying the vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by using the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>, the same advantages as those according to the first embodiment are obtained upon removing dust and the like adhered to the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0245As mentioned above, according to the fifth embodiment, the same advantages as those according to the first embodiment are obtained.

0246Further, according to the fifth embodiment, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is fixed and held, and the adhesive <b>31</b> is used as means for airtightly jointing the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> with the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A, thereby simplifying the structure. Advantageously, the number of members is reduced. Further, advantageously, the manufacturing process is simplified and the manufacturing cost is reduced.

0247According to the fifth embodiment, other structures are the same as those according to the first embodiment. However, they are not limited to this and may be the same as those according to any of the second to fourth embodiments.

0248Namely, according to the fifth embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the optical LPF <b>25</b> is provided, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> (first member) and the CCD case <b>24</b> (second member) are independently formed, and the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> (first member) is airtightly fit to the CCD case <b>24</b> (second member).

0249Meanwhile, according to the second embodiment, the optical LPF <b>25</b> is provided, and the dust-proofing filter supporter and CCD case formed by integrally including the first portion functioning as the dust-proofing filter supporting member and the second portion functioning as the CCD case is provided (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref>).

0250In this case, it is similarly advantageous that the shape of the dust-proofing filter supporting and CCD case is the same as that of the CCD case <b>33</b> according to the second embodiment and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is airtightly jointed to the CCD case <b>33</b> by using the adhesive <b>31</b>.

0251According to the third embodiment, the optical LPF is excluded and the dust-proofing filter supporting and CCD case formed by integrally including the first portion functioning as the dust-proofing filter supporting member and the second portion functioning as the CCD case is provided (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14 and 15</figref>).

0252In this case, it is similarly advantageous that the shape of the dust-proofing filter supporting and CCD case is the same as the CCD case <b>34</b> according to the third embodiment and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is airtightly jointed to the CCD case <b>34</b> by using the adhesive <b>31</b>.

0253According to the fourth embodiment, the optical LPF is excluded (not shown), the dust-proofing filter supporting member (first member) and the CCD case (second member) are formed independently, and the dust-proofing filter supporting member (first member) and the CCD case (second member) are airtightly fit to each other. In this case, it is similarly advantageous that the shapes of the dust-proofing filter supporting member and the CCD case are the same as the dust-proofing filter supporting member and the CCD case according to the fourth embodiment and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is airtightly jointed to the dust-proofing filter supporting member by using the adhesive <b>31</b>.

0254According to the fifth embodiment, the image pick-up device unit is structured by independently forming the dust-proofing filter supporting member (first member) and the CCD case (second member), and it is formed by excluding the optical LPF (<b>25</b>). Advantageously, the fifth embodiment can be applied in entirely the same manner to a camera including the variously modified image pick-up device units. In either case, the same effectiveness can be obtained.

0255As mentioned above, in the image pick-up device unit in the camera according to any of the first to fifth embodiments, the piezoelectric element (member for vibration) is used to apply the predetermined vibrations to the dust-proofing filter. Thus, dust and the like adhered to the surface of the dust-proofing filter are removed.

0256In this case, when the dust-proofing filter is vibrated, the air at the peripheral portion is moved. The dust-proofing filter is arranged in contact with the dust-proofing filter supporting member or the combination of dust-proofing filter supporting and CCD case, thus to constitute the sealing structure which forms a predetermined sealing space.

0257Therefore, if the sealing space is completely airtight, air does not flow into the sealing space from the outside when the dust-proofing filter is vibrated. Thus, it is expected that the positive and negative voltage change is caused in the sealing space. The generation of vibrations while causing the change in voltage requires corresponding energy or power, and cause an obstruction against the vibration of the dust-proofing filter.

0258<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19</figref>, <b>20</b>, and <b>21</b> are sectional views schematically showing by extracting a part of the image pick-up device unit upon forming the sealing space in which the front side of the image pick-up device is completely sealed from the outside by the dust-proofing filter and a predetermined member for supporting the dust-proofing filter. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> shows a status in which the voltage is not applied to the piezoelectric element. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> shows a status in which the positive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> shows a status in which the negative voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element.

0259A description is given of the structure of the image pick-up device unit according to the first embodiment with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19 to 21</figref> as an example.

0260First, when the voltage is not applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b> (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>), the positive (+) voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>, thus to enter the status shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>. In the status shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is bent toward the optical LPF <b>25</b>. Consequently, the back side of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is extremely close to the front side of the step portion <b>24</b><i>a </i>of the CCD case <b>24</b>. Then, air in the void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>between the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the optical LPF <b>25</b> flows to the direction evacuating from the void portion <b>51</b><i>a</i>. However, the void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>is completely sealed from the outside and the passage between the void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>and the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>is substantially shut off by the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. Thus, the air in the void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>has no evacuating portion. Therefore, since the amount of air is not changed irrespective of the decrease in inner volume of the void portion <b>51</b><i>a</i>, a positive inner pressure is generated, resulting in the obstruction against the vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0261On the other hand, the negative voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> of the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>, resulting in the status shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>. In the status shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is bent in the direction leaving from the optical LPF <b>25</b>. In this case, the sealing space <b>51</b> containing the void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>and the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>between the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the optical LPF <b>25</b> is completely sealed from the outside and thus no air flows in the sealing space <b>51</b>. Since the amount of air is not changed irrespective of the increase in inner volume of the void portion <b>51</b><i>a</i>, the negative inner pressure is generated, resulting in the obstruction against the vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0262Then, in views of the above-mentioned points, a description is given hereinbelow of various embodiments having means for reducing the inner pressure in the sealing space by flowing the air into the sealing space from the outside upon the vibration of the dust-proofing filter while keeping predetermined airtightness in the sealing space.

0263<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 22 and 23</figref> are diagrams showing by extracting a part of members forming an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a perspective view showing the CCD case (second member) among the members forming the image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is a cross-section of the image pick-up device, that is, a sectional view at a position along a line <b>23</b>-<b>23</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>.

0264According to the sixth embodiment, the structure is substantially the same as that according to the first embodiment. Unlike the structure according to the first embodiment, a notch portion <b>24</b>Ak is formed as a flow passage between the void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>and the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>at a predetermined position of the CCD case <b>24</b>A. Therefore, the same structure as that according to the first embodiment is designated by the same reference numeral and is not described in detail. The illustration of the structures of the entire camera and the entire image pick-up device unit is referred to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 to 5</figref> used for the description of the first embodiment.

0265Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 22 and 23</figref>, the CCD case <b>24</b>A in an image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>C in the camera according to the sixth embodiment is basically formed substantially similarly to the CCD case <b>24</b> according to the first embodiment.

0266According to the sixth embodiment, the CCD case <b>24</b>A has the notch portion <b>24</b>Ak with a substantially arc-shaped cross-section, which is obtained by notching a part of the step portion <b>24</b><i>a </i>provided to support the optical LPF <b>25</b> inside.

0267In other words, the step portion <b>24</b><i>a </i>becomes a contact surface portion which is formed such that the CCD case <b>24</b> (second member) airtightly comes into contact with the peripheral portion of the optical LPF <b>25</b>, and the notch portion <b>24</b>Ak is provided at a part of the contact surface.

0268Therefore, the notch portion <b>24</b>Ak functions as the flow passage for assisting the air flow between the void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>and the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>upon vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0269That is, according to the sixth embodiment, the sealing structure formed in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>C has the flow passage for suppressing the resistance of the air flow between the air gap space <b>51</b><i>a </i>as a relatively narrow space portion and the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>as a relatively large space portion in the sealing space <b>51</b> formed in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>C at a predetermined position, namely, at a part of the step portion <b>24</b><i>a </i>in the CCD case <b>24</b>.

0270Other structures are substantially the same as those according to the first embodiment.

0271In the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>C with the above-mentioned structure, the operation is as follows upon applying the vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by using the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>.

0272First, in a status in which no voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> (the same status as that in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>), the positive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is bent toward the optical LPF <b>25</b> (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>).

0273In this case, even if the back side of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> extremely comes into contact with the front side of the step portion <b>24</b><i>a </i>of the CCD case <b>24</b> (the similar status of that shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>), the air in the void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>passes through the notch portion <b>24</b>Ak provided at a part of the CCD case <b>24</b>A and flows out to the space portion <b>51</b><i>b. </i>

0274Therefore, in accordance with the reduction in inner volume of the void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>due to the bending of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, the amount of air in the void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>is easily reduced. Consequently, the increase in inner pressure of the void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>is suppressed.

0275On the other hand, the negative voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> and then the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is bent in the direction leaving from the optical LPF <b>25</b> (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>). In this case, the air in the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>flows into the void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>via the notch portion <b>24</b>Ak.

0276Thus, in accordance with the increase in inner volume of the void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>due to the bending of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, the amount of air in the void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>is easily increased. Consequently, the reduction in inner pressure of the space portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>is suppressed.

0277As mentioned above, according to the sixth embodiment, only the notch portion <b>24</b>Ak is provided at a predetermined position in a part of the CCD case <b>24</b>A so as to connect the void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>and the space portion <b>51</b><i>b</i>. As a result, the air in the sealing space <b>51</b> caused due to the vibrations of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by using the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> easily flows and the change in inner pressure in the space is suppressed. Therefore, the obstruction against the vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is prevented.

0278According to the sixth embodiment, the same image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>C as that according to the first embodiment is illustrated but the present invention is not limited to this.

0279In the case of the second embodiment (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref>), according to the sixth embodiment, the notch portion (<b>24</b>Ak) as the flow passage is provided at the predetermined position of the CCD case <b>33</b>, which are the dust-proofing filter supporter and CCD case, and which are formed by integrating the dust-proofing filter supporting member and the CCD case, namely, at a part of the contact surface which is formed such that the CCD case <b>33</b> (second portion of the integration) is airtightly jointed to the peripheral portion of the optical LPF <b>25</b>. Thus, the same advantages are obtained in this case.

0280Further, in the case of the third embodiment (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14 and 15</figref>), according to the sixth embodiment, the notch portion (<b>24</b>Ak) as the flow passage is provided at the predetermined position of the CCD case <b>34</b>, which are the dust-proofing filter supporter and CCD case, and which are formed by integrating the dust-proofing filter supporting member and the CCD case, namely, at a part of the contact surface which is formed such that the CCD case <b>34</b> (second portion of the integration) airtightly comes into contact with the peripheral portion of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>. Thus, the same advantages are obtained in this case.

0281Furthermore, in the case of the fourth embodiment, although not shown, the notch portion (<b>24</b>Ak) as the flow passage is provided at the predetermined position of the CCD case, namely, at a part of the contact surface which is formed such that the CCD case (second member) airtightly comes into contact with the peripheral portion of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device. Thus, the same advantages are obtained in this case.

0282As mentioned above, according to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to apply the camera having any of various image pick-up device units such as the image pick-up device unit in which both the dust-proofing filter supporting member (first member) and the CCD case (second member) are formed independently, or the image pick-up device unit in which the optical LPF (<b>25</b>) is excluded. In any of the examples, the same advantages are obtained.

0283<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 24 and 25</figref> are diagrams showing by extracting a part of members forming an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to a seventh embodiment. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> is a perspective view showing a CCD case (second member) among the members forming the image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> is a sectional view at a position along a line <b>25</b>-<b>25</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>.

0284The structure according to the seventh embodiment is the same as that according to the first embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, a pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg as a relatively minute passage is provided for connecting the inside to the outside of the sealing space <b>51</b> at a predetermined position of the CCD case <b>24</b>B. Therefore, the same structure as that according to the first embodiment is designated by the same reference numeral and a detailed description thereof is omitted. The entire camera and the components of the entire image pick-up device unit are illustrated with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 to 5</figref> used for the description of the first embodiment.

0285Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 24 and 25</figref>, according to the seventh embodiment, the CCD case <b>24</b>B in an image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>D is basically formed in the same manner as that of the CCD case <b>24</b> according to the first embodiment.

0286In the CCD case <b>24</b>B according to the seventh embodiment, the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg as the relatively minute passage is provided for connecting the sealing space <b>51</b><i>b </i>to the outside at a predetermined position of the CCD case <b>24</b>B, for example, at a part of an area extending to an outer peripheral side of the optical LPF <b>25</b>.

0287Therefore, the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg forms the passage for assisting the air flow between the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>and the outside upon the vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. In this case, since the outside air flows into the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>via the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg, there is a danger that dust and the like included in the outside air simultaneously enter.

0288Then, in consideration of the foregoing, in order to prevent the flow in the sealing space <b>51</b> of dust and the like having a larger size than a predetermined size via the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg, the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg needs to be set with a relative minute size. As the size of the pierced hole <b>24</b><i>g </i>set in this case, it is expected that dust and the like adhered to the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> and the optical device LPF <b>25</b> do not affect an adverse influence on the image displayed based on the image signal to be obtained by the image pick-up device <b>27</b>.

0289As mentioned above, according to the seventh embodiment, the sealing structure in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>D comprises the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> as the first member for supporting the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (dust-proofing member) in contact with the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion thereof, and the CCD case <b>24</b>B as the second member arranged for supporting the optical LPF <b>25</b> (optical device) in contact with the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion thereof and for airtightly coming into contact with the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> (first member) at its predetermined portion. The CCD case <b>24</b>B (second member) has the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg as the relatively minute passage for connecting the inside to the outside of the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>(sealing portion <b>51</b>) at the predetermined portion thereof.

0290Other structures are the same as those according to the first embodiment.

0291In the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>D with the above-mentioned structure, the following operations are obtained upon applying the vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by using the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>.

0292First, in a status in which no voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> (in the same status as that shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>), the positive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> and then the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is bent toward the optical LPF <b>25</b> (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>).

0293In this case, the air in the sealing space <b>51</b>, in particular, in the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>flows out via the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg provided at the bottom portion of the CCD case <b>24</b>B.

0294Therefore, the reduction in inner volume of the sealing space <b>51</b>, in particular, of the space portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>causes the easy decrease in amount of air in the sealing space <b>51</b>. Thus, the increase in inner pressure of the sealing space <b>51</b>A is suppressed.

0295On the other hand, the negative voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> and then the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is bent in the direction leaving from the optical LPF <b>25</b> (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>). In this case, the outside air flows in the sealing space <b>51</b>, especially, in the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>via the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg.

0296Therefore, in accordance with the increase in inner volume of the sealing space <b>51</b> due to the bending of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, the amount of air in the sealing space <b>51</b> is easily increased. Thus, the reduction in inner pressure of the sealing space <b>51</b> is suppressed.

0297As mentioned above, according to the seventh embodiment, the arrangement of only the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg for connecting the sealing space <b>51</b>, especially, the space portion <b>51</b><i>b</i>, to the outside at the predetermined position of the CCD case <b>24</b>A facilitates the air flow between the sealing space <b>51</b> and the outside caused due to the vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> generated by the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>, and suppresses the change in inner pressure of the sealing space <b>51</b>. Thus, the obstruction against the vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is suppressed.

0298According to the seventh embodiment, the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>D with the same structure as that according to the first embodiment is illustrated as an example but the present invention is not limited to this.

0299For example, according to the second embodiment (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref>), the same advantages are obtained by providing the pierced hole (<b>24</b>Bg) as the relatively minute passage for connecting the inside to the outside of the space <b>51</b><i>b </i>(sealing space <b>51</b>) at the predetermined position of the CCD case <b>33</b> as the dust-proofing filter supporting and CCD case formed by integrating the dust-proofing filter supporting member and the CCD case <b>33</b>, namely, at a part of the area extending to the outer peripheral side of the optical LPF <b>25</b> as the bottom portion of the CCD case <b>33</b> (second member).

0300According to the third embodiment (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14 and 15</figref>), with the structure formed by excluding the optical LPF, the same advantages as those of the foregoing are obtained by excluding the optical LPF and by providing the pierced hole (<b>24</b>Bg) as the passage at the predetermined position of the CCD case <b>34</b> as the dust-proofing filter supporter and CCD case formed by integrating the dust-proofing filter supporting member and the CCD case, namely, at a part of the area extending to the outer peripheral side of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> as the bottom portion of the CCD case <b>34</b> (second member).

0301According to the fourth embodiment, with the structure excluding the optical LPF (not shown), the same advantages as those of the foregoing are obtained by providing the pierced hole (<b>24</b>Bg) as the passage at a part of the area extending the outer peripheral side of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> as the bottom portion of the CCD case (second member).

0302As mentioned above, according to the seventh embodiment, various modified image pick-up device units such as the image pick-up device unit having the structure formed by independently forming the dust-proofing filter supporting member (first member) and the CCD case (second member) and the image pick-up device unit having the structure excluding the optical LPF (<b>25</b>) can be applied to the camera. In any of the cases, the same advantages are obtained.

0303<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 26 and 27</figref> are diagrams showing by extracting a part of members forming an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> is a perspective view showing the dust-proofing filter supporting member (first member) among the members forming the image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> is a sectional view at a position along a line <b>27</b>-<b>27</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref>.

0304According to the eighth embodiment, the basic structure is the same as that according to the first embodiment. The basic structure of the dust-proofing filter supporting member (first member) among the members forming the image pick-up device unit is the same as that of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A according to the fifth embodiment.

0305According to the eighth embodiment, a dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>B has a pierced hole <b>23</b>Bh as a relatively minute passage for connecting the inside to the outside of the sealing space <b>51</b> at a predetermined position. Therefore, the same structure as that according to the first embodiment is designated by the same reference numeral and a detailed description thereof is omitted. The structures of the entire camera and the image pick-up device unit are illustrated with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 to 5</figref> used for the description of the first embodiment. The dust-proofing filter supporting member is described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16 to 18</figref> used for the description of the fifth embodiment.

0306Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 26 and 27</figref>, according to the eighth embodiment, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>B in an image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>E in a camera is basically formed in the same manner as that according to the fifth embodiment. A wall portion <b>23</b>Be is formed projecting toward the front side at a peripheral portion of an opening <b>23</b>Bf with a substantially annular shape.

0307Further, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>B has the pierced hole <b>23</b>Bh as the relatively minute passage for connecting the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>to the outside at a predetermined position of the wall portion <b>23</b>Be.

0308The pierced hole <b>23</b>Bh becomes a passage for facilitating the air flow between the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>and the outside upon the vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. Upon using the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>B with the above-mentioned structure, the outside air flows in the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>via the pierced hole <b>23</b>Bh. Thus, there is a danger that dust and the like included in the outside air simultaneously enter.

0309Then, in consideration of the danger, the pierced hole <b>23</b>Bh needs to be set with a relatively minute size so as to prevent the flow in the sealing space <b>51</b> of dust and the like having a predetermined size via the pierced hole <b>23</b>Bh. This is the same as that according to the sixth and seventh embodiments.

0310As mentioned above, according to the eighth embodiment, the sealing structure in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>E comprises the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>B as the first member for supporting the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (dust-proofing member) in contact with the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion thereof, and the CCD case <b>24</b> as the second member arranged for supporting the optical LPF <b>25</b> (optical device) in contact with the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion thereof and for coming into closely contact with the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>B (first member) at its predetermined portion. The dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>B (first member) has the pierced hole <b>23</b>Bh as the relatively minute passage for connecting the inside to the outside of the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>(sealing portion <b>51</b>) at the predetermined portion thereof.

0311Other structures are the same as those according to the first embodiment.

0312In the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>E with the above-mentioned structure, the following operations are obtained upon applying the vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by using the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>.

0313First, in a status in which no voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> (in the same status as that shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>), the positive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> and then the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is bent toward the optical LPF <b>25</b> (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>).

0314In this case, the air in the sealing space <b>51</b>, in particular, in the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>flows out via the pierced hole <b>23</b>Bg.

0315Therefore, the reduction in inner volume of the sealing space <b>51</b>, in particular, of the space portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>facilitates the decrease in amount of air in the sealing space <b>51</b>. Thus, the increase in inner pressure of the sealing space <b>51</b> is suppressed.

0316On the other hand, the negative voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> and then the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is bent in the direction leaving from the optical LPF <b>25</b> (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>). In this case, the outside air flows in the sealing space <b>51</b>, especially, in the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>via the pierced hole <b>23</b>Bh.

0317Therefore, the increase in inner volume of the sealing space <b>51</b> due to the bending of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> facilitates the increase in amount of air in the sealing space <b>51</b>. Thus, the reduction in inner pressure of the sealing space <b>51</b> is suppressed.

0318As mentioned above, according to the eighth embodiment, the arrangement of only the pierced hole <b>23</b>Bh for connecting the sealing space <b>51</b>, especially, the space portion <b>51</b><i>b</i>, to the outside at the predetermined position of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>B facilitates the air flow, between the sealing space <b>51</b> and the outside, caused due to the vibrations of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> generated by the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>, and suppresses the change in inner pressure of the sealing space <b>51</b>. Thus, the obstruction against the vibrations of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is suppressed.

0319According to the eighth embodiment, the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>E with the same structure as that according to the first to fifth embodiments is illustrated as an example but the present invention is not limited to this.

0320For example, in the case of the second embodiment (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref>), the same advantages are obtained by providing the pierced hole <b>23</b>Bh as the relatively minute passage for connecting the inside to the outside of the space <b>51</b>Ab at the predetermined position of the CCD case <b>33</b> (second member) as the dust-proofing filter supporting and CCD case formed by integrating the dust-proofing filter supporting member and the CCD case <b>33</b>, namely, at the predetermined position of the substantially annular-shaped wall portion projected toward the front side at the peripheral portion of the opening of the CCD case <b>33</b>.

0321Further, in the case of the third embodiment (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14 and 15</figref>), the same advantages as those of the foregoing are obtained by providing the pierced hole <b>23</b>Bh as the relatively minute passage for connecting the space portion <b>51</b>Ab to the outside at the predetermined position of the CCD case <b>34</b> as the dust-proofing filter supporting and CCD case formed by integrating the dust-proofing filter supporting member and the CCD case, namely, at the predetermined position of the substantially annular-shaped wall portion projected toward the front side at the peripheral portion of the opening of the CCD case <b>34</b> (first portion as the dust-proofing filter supporting member).

0322Furthermore, in the case of the fourth embodiment, although not shown, the same advantages as those of the foregoing are obtained by providing the pierced hole (<b>23</b>Bh) as the relatively minute passage at the predetermined position of the CCD case, namely, at the predetermined position of the substantially annular-shaped wall portion projected toward the front side of the peripheral portion of the opening of the CCD case (second member).

0323As mentioned above, according to the eighth embodiment, various modified image pick-up device units such as the image pick-up device unit having the structure formed by independently forming the dust-proofing filter supporting member (first member) and the CCD case (second member) and the image pick-up device unit having the structure excluding the optical LPF (<b>25</b>) can be applied to the camera. In any of the cases, the same advantages are obtained.

0324Next, a description is given of the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

0325<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 28 and 29</figref> are diagrams showing by extracting a part of members forming an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> is a perspective view showing the back side of the CCD case (second member) among the members forming the image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref> is a sectional view at a position along a line <b>29</b>-<b>29</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref>.

0326The basic structure according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, is similar to that according to the seventh embodiment. Only the difference of the structure according to the ninth embodiment is that it is formed by further adding near the passage (pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg) provided for connecting the inside to the outside of the sealing space <b>51</b> at a predetermined position of the CCD case <b>24</b>B, a rubber cap <b>29</b>A formed elastically as a sealing assisting member for airtightly covering the opening end of the passage.

0327Therefore, the same structure as that according to the seventh embodiment is designated by the same reference numeral and a detailed description thereof is omitted. The structures of the entire camera and image pick-up device unit are illustrated with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 to 5</figref> used for the description of the first embodiment.

0328Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 28 and 29</figref>, according to the ninth embodiment, the CCD case <b>24</b>B in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>D in the camera is formed in the similar manner of that of the CCD case <b>24</b>B according to the seventh embodiment.

0329According to the ninth embodiment, near the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg provided at the bottom portion of the CCD case <b>24</b>B, the rubber cap <b>29</b>A as the sealing assisting member for airtightly covering the opening end of the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg is provided. In order to change the inner volume of the rubber cap <b>29</b>A depending on the inner pressure of the sealing space <b>51</b>, the rubber cap <b>29</b>A is formed with its cross section that is slightly convex-shaped toward the outside in the normal status, and is further made of an elastic member having the elasticity. In addition, the rubber cap <b>29</b>A has the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg which is arranged to airtightly cover its opening end for connecting it to the outside of the sealing space <b>51</b> (in particular, the space portion <b>51</b><i>b</i>).

0330Other structures are substantially the same as those according to the seventh embodiment.

0331As mentioned above, according to the ninth embodiment, the rubber cap <b>29</b>A is airtightly provided at the outside of the opening end of the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg. Thus, upon vibrating the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, the air including dust and the like directly do not enter the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>from the outside via the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg. Further, the inner volume of the sealing space <b>51</b> is increased by a slightly small amount and the rubber cap <b>29</b>A is elastically formed. Consequently, the sealing space <b>51</b> is retracted in accordance with the change in inner pressure of the sealing space <b>51</b>, thereby increasing and reducing the inner volume of the sealing space <b>51</b>.

0332The image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>D having the above-mentioned structure has the following operations upon vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by using the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>.

0333First, in a status in which no voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> (in the same status as that shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>), the positive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> and then the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is bent toward the optical LPF <b>25</b> (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>).

0334In this case, the air in the sealing space <b>51</b>, in particular, in the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>flows into the rubber cap <b>29</b>A via the pierced hole <b>23</b>Bg. Simultaneously, the rubber cap <b>29</b>A increases the inner volume thereof by the extension caused depending on the inner pressure.

0335Therefore, the reduction in inner volume of the sealing space <b>51</b>, in particular, in the space portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>due to the bending of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> decreases the amount of air in the sealing space <b>51</b>. Thus, the air moves to the rubber cap <b>29</b>A. The rubber cap <b>29</b>A is relatively easily retracted in accordance with the change in air pressure. Thus, the increase in inner pressure of the sealing space <b>51</b> is suppressed.

0336On the other hand, the negative voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> and then the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is bent in the direction leaving from the optical LPF <b>25</b> (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>). In this case, the air in the rubber cap <b>29</b>A flows in the sealing space <b>51</b>, especially, in the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>via the pierced hole <b>23</b>Bg. In this case, the rubber cap <b>29</b>A is relatively easily retracted in accordance with the change in air pressure.

0337Therefore, the increase in inner volume of the sealing space <b>51</b> increases due to the bending of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. Simultaneously, the air in the rubber cap <b>29</b>A moves to the sealing space <b>51</b> and the amount of air in the sealing space <b>51</b> increases. Thus, the reduction in inner pressure of the sealing space <b>51</b> is suppressed.

0338As mentioned above, according to the ninth embodiment, the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg for connecting the sealing space <b>51</b>, especially, the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>to the outside, is provided at the predetermined position of the CCD case <b>24</b>A, the opening end of the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg is airtightly covered, and the sealing assisting member (rubber cap <b>29</b>A) which changes its inner volume depending on the inner pressure of the sealing space <b>51</b> is arranged. Consequently, the air between the sealing space <b>51</b> and the outside caused due to the vibrations of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> generated by the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> easily flows, and the change in inner pressure of the sealing space <b>51</b> is suppressed. Thus, the obstruction against the vibrations of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is suppressed.

0339According to the ninth embodiment, the rubber cap <b>29</b>A is used as the sealing assisting member for airtightly covering the opening end of the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg as an example. However, the sealing assisting member is not limited to this and, for example, it may be one described according to the tenth embodiment which will be described later.

0340<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 30 and 31</figref> are diagrams showing by extracting a part of members forming an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref> is a perspective view showing the back side of the CCD case (second member) among the members forming the image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref> is a sectional view at a position along a line <b>31</b>-<b>31</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref>.

0341The structure according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention, is similar to that according to the ninth embodiment. Only the difference of the structure according to the tenth embodiment is that it is formed by providing a rubber ring <b>29</b>B, as the sealing assisting member, for airtightly covering the opening end of the passage (pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg) arranged to the CCD case <b>24</b>B, in place of the rubber cap <b>29</b>A having the same function as that of the rubber annular <b>29</b>B.

0342Therefore, the same structure as that according to the ninth embodiment is designated by the same reference numeral and a detailed description thereof is omitted. The structures of the entire camera and image pick-up device unit are illustrated with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 to 5</figref> used for the description of the first embodiment.

0343According to the tenth embodiment, the rubber ring <b>29</b>B made of an elastic member, etc., as the sealing assisting member, is arranged in an annular area of the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion of the optical LPF <b>25</b>. In order to change the inner volume of the rubber ring <b>29</b>B depending on the inner pressure of the sealing space <b>51</b>, the rubber ring <b>29</b>B is formed with its cross section that is slightly convex-shaped toward the outside in the normal status so as to change the inner volume of the rubber ring <b>29</b>B, and is further made of an elastic member having the elasticity, with a substantially circular shape. In this case, the rubber ring <b>29</b>B is arranged to the CCD case <b>24</b>B so as to become airtight, excluding the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg as the passage. Incidentally, the structure removing a part of the rubber ring <b>29</b>B, namely, a part of the CCD case <b>24</b>B adjacent to the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref>.

0344Other structures are substantially the same as those according to the ninth embodiment.

0345As mentioned above, according to the tenth embodiment, the rubber ring <b>29</b>B is airtightly provided at the outside of the opening end of the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg of the CCD case <b>24</b>B. Thus, upon vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, the air including dust and the like directly does not enter the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>from the outside via the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg. Further, the inner volume of the sealing space <b>51</b> is increased by a slightly small amount and the rubber ring <b>29</b>B is elastically formed. Consequently, the sealing space <b>51</b> is retracted in accordance with the change in inner pressure of the sealing space <b>51</b>, thereby increasing and reducing the inner volume of the sealing space <b>51</b>.

0346As mentioned above, according to the tenth embodiment, the same advantages as those according to the ninth embodiment are obtained. Further, the inner volume in the space ensured by the sealing assisting member (rubber ring <b>29</b>B) can be increased.

0347According to the ninth and tenth embodiments, the above description is given of the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>D having the above-mentioned structure according to the first to seventh embodiments as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

0348For example, in the case of the second embodiment (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref>), the same advantages as those according to the ninth embodiment are obtained by providing the pierced hole <b>24</b>Bg for connecting the outside to the sealing space <b>51</b> at the predetermined position of the CCD case <b>33</b> (second portion) as the dust-proofing filter supporting and CCD case formed by integrating the dust-proofing filter supporting member and the CCD case <b>33</b> and by providing the sealing assisting member (rubber cap <b>29</b>A) for airtightly covering the opening end of the pierced hole (<b>24</b>Bg) and for changing the inner volume of the sealing space <b>51</b> in accordance with the inner pressure thereof.

0349The same advantages as those according to the tenth embodiment are obtained by airtightly arranging the (rubber ring <b>29</b>B) made of the elastic member, as the sealing supporting member, at the predetermined position of (the second portion) of the CCD case <b>33</b>, namely, in the annular area of the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion of the optical LPF <b>25</b>, except for the pierced hole (<b>24</b>Bg; passage).

0350In the case of the third embodiment (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14 and 15</figref>), the same advantages as those according to the ninth embodiment are obtained by providing the pierced hole (<b>24</b>Bg) for connecting the space portion <b>51</b> to the outside at the predetermined position of the CCD case <b>34</b> (second member) as the dust-proofing filter supporting and CCD case formed by integrating the dust-proofing filter supporting member and the CCD case and the sealing assisting member (rubber cap <b>29</b>A) for airtightly covering the opening end of the pierced hole (<b>24</b>Bg) and for changing the inner volume of the sealing space <b>51</b> in accordance with the inner pressure of the sealing space <b>51</b>.

0351The same advantages as those according to the tenth embodiment are obtained by airtightly arranging the (rubber ring <b>29</b>B) made of the elastic member, as the sealing assisting member, at the predetermined position of the CCD case <b>33</b> (second member), namely, in the annular area of the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion of the optical LPF <b>25</b>, except for the pierced hole (<b>24</b>Bg; passage).

0352In the case of the fourth embodiment, the same advantages as those according to the ninth embodiment are obtained by providing the pierced hole (<b>24</b>Bg) for connecting the sealing space <b>51</b> to the outside at the predetermined position of the CCD case (second member) and by providing the sealing assisting member (rubber cap <b>29</b>A) for airtightly covering the opening end of the pierced hole (<b>24</b>Bg) and for changing the inner volume of the sealing space <b>51</b> in accordance with the inner pressure of the sealing space <b>51</b>.

0353The same advantages as those according to the tenth embodiment are obtained by airtightly arranging the (rubber ring <b>29</b>B) made of the elastic member, as the sealing assisting member, at the predetermined position of the CCD case (second member), namely, in the annular area of the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, except for the pierced hole (<b>24</b>Bg; passage).

0354In the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b> in the camera <b>1</b> according to the first embodiment, as mentioned above, the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> as the member for vibration for applying the vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is arranged at the predetermined position of the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by using the adhering means such as an adhesive.

0355In this case, hereinbelow, a detailed description is given of the structure of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (dust-proofing member) and the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> (member for vibration) in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>.

0356<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 32 and 33</figref> are diagrams showing by extracting a part of members forming an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref> is a perspective view showing a cut-off part of the dust-proofing member (optical member; dust-proofing filter), the member for vibration (piezoelectric element), and the dust-proofing filter supporting member, in views of the back side (image pick-up device side). <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref> is a sectional view along a line <b>33</b>-<b>33</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref>.

0357The structure of the camera according to the eleventh embodiment is the same as that according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the structures of the entire camera and image pick-up device unit are stated with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 to 5</figref> used for the description of the first embodiment, and are not described in detail by using the same reference numerals.

0358According to the eleventh embodiment, the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b> is an electromechanical transducer in which, for example, plate-shaped piezoelectric ceramics is substantially circular-shaped. The piezoelectric element <b>22</b> has a first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>at one surface thereof, namely, at the surface at which it is adhered to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, and a second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a </i>at another surface, namely, at the surface opposed to the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (surface at the back side).

0359A part of the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>is formed along the side surface of an outer edge side of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> and, further, is formed extending to another surface. The first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>and the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a </i>are members which function as electrodes of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>.

0360That is, according to the eleventh embodiment, as mentioned above, the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> is adhered to the predetermined portion in the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by the means such as an adhesive. One surface of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> becomes the adhering surface to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. Therefore, a connecting member such as a lead is not connected to the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>arranged to the adhering surface. In other words, the one surface of the piezoelectric surface <b>22</b> is not conductive to the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b. </i>

0361Then, in the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>, as mentioned above, a part of the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>is formed along the side surface on the outer edge of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>. Further, the part of the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>is formed extending to the surface on which the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a </i>is formed. Thus, the connecting member is easily connected to the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b. </i>

0362Corresponding thereto, the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a </i>formed on another surface of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> is formed in an area excluding the extending portion of the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b</i>. An insulating portion <b>65</b> is provided between the extending portion of the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>and the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a</i>. Thus, the extending portion of the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>and the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a </i>are constructed not to be conductive on the other surface of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> on which the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a </i>is formed.

0363That is, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref>, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is adhered to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> via the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> adhered to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> interposed, by using the adhering means such as the adhesive <b>31</b>. In this case, a predetermined portion on the side where the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a </i>of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> is abutted onto the supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c </i>of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>. Therefore, the supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c </i>of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> is sometimes arranged extending over the extending portion of the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>and the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a. </i>

0364The dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> forms a part of the sealing structure as mentioned above. A part of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> is conductive. Specifically, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> is made of a conductive member such as metal or conductive resin, or is formed to be conductive by using means for applying a conductive coating.

0365In this case, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> may be conductive at a portion, namely, at least near a portion of the supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c </i>which is abutted onto the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a </i>of the piezoelectric member <b>22</b>.

0366Therefore, the extending portion of the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>is conductive to the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a </i>by arranging the supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c </i>of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> over both the conductive members <b>22</b><i>a </i>and <b>22</b><i>b</i>. In order to prevent the conductive state of both the conductive members <b>22</b><i>a </i>and <b>22</b><i>b</i>, an insulating portion <b>65</b> is arranged.

0367As described above, the conductive portion of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> (sealing structure) is abutted onto the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a </i>which is formed onto the surface of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> (electromechanical transducer), thereby establishing the electrical connection therebetween to be conductive. Simultaneously, the above-stated insulating portion <b>65</b> disenables the conduction between the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>and the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a. </i>

0368A predetermined voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> by using the dust-proofing filter driving unit <b>48</b>, so that the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> generates the vibrations which are applied to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0369In this case, the electrical connection between the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>and the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a </i>in the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> by using the dust-proofing filter driving unit <b>48</b> enables the connection between the extending portion of the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>and the connecting member such as a lead from the dust-proofing filter driving unit <b>48</b>. On the other hand, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> electrically connected to the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a </i>is connected to the ground, thereby needing no connecting member such as a lead.

0370As described above, according to the eleventh embodiment, the same advantages as those according to the first embodiment are obtained.

0371Further, according to the eleventh embodiment, the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> is formed of the plate-shaped electromechanical transducer, the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>is arranged on the one surface of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>, and the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a </i>is arranged on the other surface thereof. In addition, a part of the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>is formed along the side surface on the outer edge of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> and is further extended to the surface side where the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a </i>is formed.

0372The conductive portion is arranged to a part of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> and is abutted onto the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a </i>of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>. In this case, the extending portion of the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>and the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a </i>are constructed not to be conductive by providing the insulating portion <b>65</b> therebetween.

0373With the foregoing structure, the connecting member such as the lead is easily connected to the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>and the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a </i>is electrically connected to the ground via the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>. Thus, the connecting means is omitted.

0374The arrangement of the connecting means such as the lead for connecting the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> to the dust-proofing filter driving unit <b>48</b> for driving the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> is simplified. As a result of the simplification, the working time for assembly in the manufacturing processing is reduced and the manufacturing processing such as the reduction of the working processing is simplified. This contributes to the reduction in manufacturing costs.

0375In addition, the dust-proofing structure formed of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> is simplified, thereby ensuring the stable mechanical accuracy without the variation in manufacturing.

0376According to the eleventh embodiment, the conductive portion of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> is abutted onto the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a </i>of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>. However, the conductive portion of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> may be abutted onto the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b</i>. Next, an example thereof is described according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

0377<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 34 and 35</figref> are diagrams showing by extracting a part of members forming an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34</figref> is a perspective view showing by extracting a part of the dust-proofing member, the member for vibration, and the dust-proofing filter supporting member in view of the back side thereof (image pick-up device side). <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 35</figref> is a sectional view along a line <b>35</b>-<b>35</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34</figref>.

0378According to the twelfth embodiment, the structure is basically formed in the same manner as that according to the eleventh embodiment. However, unlike the eleventh embodiment, the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>in the piezoelectric member <b>22</b> is abutted onto the conductive portion of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>. Therefore, other structures are not described and illustrated and are referred to those according to the first embodiment.

0379According to the twelfth embodiment, similarly to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> according to the eleventh embodiment, the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> is an electromechanical transducer which is made of plate-shaped piezoelectric ceramics with a substantially circular shape.

0380The piezoelectric element <b>22</b> comprises the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>on one surface thereof (on the side of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>) and the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a </i>on another surface thereof (on the reversed side of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>). Similarly to the eleventh embodiment, a part of the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>is formed along the side surface of the outer edge of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> and is extended to another surface thereof.

0381Corresponding thereto, similarly to the eleventh embodiment, the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a </i>formed on the other surface of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> is formed in an area excluding the extending portion of the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b</i>. The insulating portion <b>65</b> is provided between the extending portion of the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>and the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a. </i>

0382According to the twelfth embodiment, the conductive portion of the dust-proofing filter supporting portion <b>23</b> having at least a conductive part forms a part of the sealing structure and is abutted onto the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>formed onto the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> (electromechanical transducer). Thus, the electrical connection between the conductive portion of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> and the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>is assured to be conductive therebetween. Further, the first conductive member <b>22</b><i>b </i>and the second conductive member <b>22</b><i>a </i>are constructed not to be conductive by the above-mentioned insulating portion <b>65</b>. Other structures are the same as those according to the first and eleventh embodiments.

0383According to the twelfth embodiment, the same advantages as those according to the eleventh embodiment are obtained.

0384Next, a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

0385<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 36</figref> is a main-part exploded perspective view showing a disassembled part of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

0386According to the thirteenth embodiment, the structure of the camera is basically the same as that according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the structure of the entire camera is illustrated with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> used for the description of the first embodiment and is not described in detail by using the same reference numerals for the same structure. Further, according to the thirteenth embodiment, the image pick-up device unit in the camera is the same as that according to any of the first to fifth embodiment. Therefore, the structure of the entire image pick-up device unit is illustrated with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 to 5</figref>, and the structure of a part of the image pick-up device unit, namely, of the dust-proofing filter supporting member and the dust-proofing filter are illustrated with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16 to 18</figref> used for the fifth embodiment and are described by using the same reference numerals for the same structure.

0387According to the thirteenth embodiment, an image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>F in the camera <b>1</b> comprises a plurality of members including the shutter unit <b>14</b>, similarly to the above-stated embodiments. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 36</figref>, only the main portion is shown and the shutter unit <b>14</b> is not shown.

0388Further, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 36</figref>, for the purpose of showing the positional relationship of the members, the members are arranged near the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>F, and the main circuit board <b>16</b> on which image pick-up system electrical circuits such as the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, the image signal processing circuit <b>16</b><i>a</i>, and the work memory <b>16</b><i>b </i>are mounted is shown together. A general main circuit board used in the conventional camera is applied to the main circuit board <b>16</b>, and it is not described in detail.

0389The image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>F comprises: the image pick-up device <b>27</b> comprising the CCD and the like, which obtains the image signal corresponding to light transmitted through the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>and irradiated to the photoelectrically converting surface thereof; the image pick-up device fixing plate <b>28</b> comprising a thin-sheet member for fixing and supporting the image pick-up device <b>27</b>; the optical low-pass filter <b>25</b> (hereinafter, referred to as an optical LPF) arranged on the side of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, as an optical device which is formed to remove high frequency components from the subject beams transmitted and irradiated through the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a</i>; the low-pass filter supporting member <b>26</b> arranged at a peripheral portion between the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, which is made of an almost-frame-shaped elastic member, etc.; the image pick-up device accommodating case member <b>24</b> (hereinafter, referred to as the CCD case <b>24</b>) which accommodates, fixes, and holds the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, supports the optical LPF <b>25</b> (optical device) to be in contact with a peripheral portion to an adjacent portion of the optical LPF <b>25</b> and which comes into closely contact with the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A at a predetermined portion thereof, which will be described later; the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A is arranged in front of the CCD case <b>24</b> and comes into contact with the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (dust-proofing member) at the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion thereof and supports it; the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> as a dust-proofing member opposed and arranged at the predetermined position having the predetermined interval to the optical LPF <b>25</b> in front of the optical LPF <b>25</b> on the side of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, which is supported by the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A; and the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> arranged at the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, to the surface on the opposed side of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> as a member for vibration for applying predetermined vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, comprising an electromechanical transducer or the like.

0390The dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is airtightly jointed, fixed, and held to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A (one member forming the sealing structure) by the adhesive <b>31</b>. In this case, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is adhered and fixed to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A at the entire circumference of the peripheral portion on one surface thereof by using the adhesive <b>31</b>.

0391An opening <b>23</b>Af with a circular or polygon shape is pierced near almost the center of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A. The subject beams transmitted through the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>pass through the opening <b>23</b>Af and are set with a size enough to irradiate the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> on which the beams are set at the back side.

0392A wall portion <b>23</b>Ae projecting toward the front side is formed at the peripheral portion of the opening <b>23</b>Af with a substantially annular shape. A supporting portion <b>23</b>Ac is formed to further be projected toward the front side (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 36 and 16</figref> to <b>18</b>).

0393A plurality of projecting portions <b>23</b>Aa (three projecting portions according to the thirteenth embodiment) are formed to be projected toward the front side, near an outer peripheral portion in front of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A. The projecting portions <b>23</b>Aa function as position regulating members for positioning upon adhering and arranging the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A.

0394The dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is adhered to the piezoelectric member <b>22</b> in front of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A by using the adhesive <b>31</b> (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>).

0395In this case, the adhesive <b>31</b> is applied all over the end side of the wall portion <b>23</b>Ae of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A, that is, at the entire circumference of the annular area. In this status, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is adhered from the front side of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A. In this case, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is arranged at a predetermined position of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A by moving the outer circumferential portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> along the projecting portions <b>23</b>Aa in the optical axis direction.

0396The supporting portion <b>23</b>Ac is abutted onto a predetermined position (portion as a node upon vibration) of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (actually, the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>).

0397Therefore, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A is airtightly jointed, is fixed to, and is held to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by the adhesive <b>31</b> in an annular area near the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, that is, at the end portion of the wall portion <b>23</b>Ae.

0398Other structures are substantially the same as those according to the first to fifth embodiments.

0399As mentioned above, the circumferential groove <b>24</b><i>d </i>is airtightly fit to an annular convex portion, with respect to the dust-proofing filter supporting portion <b>23</b>A and the CCD case <b>24</b>. The dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A is airtightly jointed to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by adhering force of the adhesive <b>31</b> via the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> interposed. The optical LPF <b>25</b> arranged at the CCD case <b>24</b> is constructed to be airtight between the peripheral portion in front and the step portion <b>24</b><i>a </i>of the CCD case <b>24</b>.

0400Further, the image pick-up device <b>27</b> is arranged at the back side of the optical LPF <b>25</b> via the low-pass filter supporting member <b>26</b> interposed and thus the airtightness is held between the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the image pick-up device <b>27</b>.

0401With the above-described structure, therefore, a predetermined air gap portion is formed in a space in which the optical LPF <b>25</b> is opposed to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. At the same time, a predetermined space portion is formed at the peripheral portion of the optical LPF <b>25</b> by the CCD case <b>24</b>, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A, and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. The predetermined space is a sealed space formed to be projected to the outside of the optical LPF <b>25</b>.

0402In this case, the space portion is set to be wider than the above-stated air gap portion. The space containing the air gap portion and the space portion forms a sealing space which is airtightly sealed by the CCD case <b>24</b>, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, and the optical LPF <b>25</b>.

0403According to the thirteenth embodiment, the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>F in the camera forms the sealing structure which forms the sealing space which is substantially sealed, including the air gap portion formed to the peripheral portion of the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. The sealing structure is arranged at the peripheral portion of the optical LPF <b>25</b> or the outside the adjacent portion thereof.

0404Further, according to the thirteenth embodiment, the sealing structure comprises the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A for supporting the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> in contact with the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion thereof and the CCD case <b>24</b> arranged for supporting the optical LPF <b>25</b> in contact with the peripheral portion or the adjacent thereof and for coming into closely contact with the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A at the predetermined portion thereof.

0405According to the thirteenth embodiment, in the camera <b>1</b> with the foregoing structure, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is opposed to the predetermined position in front of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, and the sealing space is formed at the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> and the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. Consequently, the adhesion of dust and the like to the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> is prevented.

0406Dust and the like adhered to the exposed surface in front of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> are removed by applying a periodic voltage to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> arranged integrally with the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and by thus applying predetermined vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0407In this case, the operations upon vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by using the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> are the same as those according to the first embodiment described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 to 11</figref>.

0408As mentioned above, according to the thirteenth embodiment, the same advantages as those according to the first embodiment are obtained.

0409Further, according to the thirteenth embodiment, the adhesive <b>31</b> is used as the means for fixing and holding the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and for airtightly jointing the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A. Thus, the structure is easily simplified and this contributes to the reduction in number of members. Furthermore, this contributes to the simplification of the manufacturing processing and the reduction in manufacturing costs.

0410In the camera <b>1</b> according to the thirteenth embodiment, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A and the CCD case <b>24</b> are independently formed and they are airtightly fit to each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this and, advantageously, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A and the CCD case <b>24</b> are integrally formed as a single member.

0411In addition, according to the thirteenth embodiment, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is adhered and fixed to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A by using the adhesive <b>31</b>. In this case, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is adhered and fixed to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A (sealing structure) at the entire peripheral portion on one surface thereof by using the adhesive <b>31</b>.

0412As mentioned above, upon adhering and fixing the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is fixed to the entire peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, thereby establishing accurate adhesion and fixing. Consequently, a preferable sealing status is ensured.

0413On the other hand, the vibrations are applied to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by using the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>. As a result of the vibrating action, dust and the like adhered to the outer surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is removed.

0414According to the thirteenth embodiment, when the entire circumference of the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is adhered and fixed to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A, the vibrations are attenuated by vibrating the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> using the operation of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> in some cases.

0415For example, means is considered as one for suppressing the attenuation of the vibrations while ensuring the adhering force between the dust-proofing filer supporting member <b>23</b>A and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> according to the fourteenth embodiment.

0416That is, according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the adhesive <b>31</b> adhering between the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A is fixed at a plurality of predetermined positions at the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0417<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 37 to 39</figref> are diagrams showing by extracting a part of an image pick-up device unit according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 37</figref> is a front view showing the dust-proofing filter supporting member in the members forming the image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 38</figref> is an exploded perspective view showing the dust-proofing filter supporting member and the dust-proofing filter (dust-proofing member) among the members forming the image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 39</figref> is a main-part sectional view showing an adhering state of the dust-proofing filter supporting member and the dust-proofing filter by using the adhesive at a position along a line <b>39</b>-<b>39</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 37</figref>.

0418Basically, the structure according to the fourteenth embodiment is formed in the same manner as that according to the thirteenth embodiment. Unlike the structure according to the thirteenth embodiment, an applying portion of the adhesive <b>31</b> is provided so as to adhere and fix the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A. Therefore, only the different portion from that according the thirteenth embodiment is shown and the same structure is designated by the same reference numeral and is not described. Further, the structure of the entire camera is neither described nor shown (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1</figref>, <b>2</b>, and <b>36</b>).

0419According to the fourteenth embodiment, the dust-proofing filter (dust-proofing member) is adhered and fixed to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A forming a part of the sealing structure at a plurality of the peripheral portions of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0420That is, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 37 and 38</figref>, the adhesive <b>31</b> is applied to three predetermined portions near the supporting portions <b>23</b>Ac of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A. In this case, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is adhered to the supporting portions <b>23</b>Ac in front of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A. Thus, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is adhered and fixed to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A at a plurality of the peripheral portions of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> via the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> interposed. Other structures are the same as those according to the thirteenth embodiment.

0421With the above-described structure according to the fourteenth embodiment, the same advantages as those according to the thirteenth embodiment are obtained. Further, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is accurately adhered and fixed to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A and the adhering portions are restricted to several portions. Consequently, as compared with the case of adhering the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A to the entire circumference of the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, the attenuation of the vibrations of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> can be suppressed. Therefore, the vibrating action of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> can be ensured without fail.

0422According to the fourteenth embodiment, the three adhering portions are set. However, the present invention is not limited to this and, advantageously, a plurality of adhering portions may be used. Preferably, in view of assuring the adhering force is minimum and necessary, the number of the adhering portions is at least three or more.

0423According to the example in the thirteenth and fourteenth embodiments, the supporting portions <b>23</b>Ac of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A are abutted onto the predetermined positions of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>.

0424However, upon applying the vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by the operation of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>, the resonant frequency of the vibrations is varied depending on the shape, size, plate thickness, and the material of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> as mentioned above.

0425Further, as described above, preferably, the supporting portions <b>23</b>Ac of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A are abutted onto the portions as vibration nodes of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0426Then, according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention, the portions as the vibration nodes of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> are not the portions to which the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> is arranged but predetermined positions on the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0427<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 40 and 41</figref> are diagrams showing by extracting a part of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 40</figref> is a perspective view showing in a state in which the dust-proofing filter is adhered to the dust-proofing filter supporting member among the members forming the image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 41</figref> is a sectional view along a line <b>41</b>-<b>41</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 40</figref>.

0428According to the fifteenth embodiment, basically, the structure is formed in the same manner as that according to the thirteenth and fourteenth embodiments. The contact position between the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A is different from that according to the thirteenth and fourteenth embodiments upon adhering and fixing the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A. Therefore, only the different portion from that according to the thirteenth and fourteenth embodiments is shown, and the same structure is designated by the same reference numeral and is not described. Further, the structure of the entire camera is neither shown nor described (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1</figref>, <b>2</b>, and <b>36</b>).

0429According to the fifteenth embodiment, the supporting portion <b>23</b>Ac of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A directly is abutted onto the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. Corresponding thereto, the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> is adhered to the surface of the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> so as to avoid the supporting portion <b>23</b>Ac.

0430The subject beams transmitted through the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>are incident on the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. After that, the beams reach the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> and form the subject image thereon. In other words, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is arranged on an optical path of the beams contributing to the formation of the subject image.

0431In consideration of the foregoing, at the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, so-called coating processing is generally performed, that is, the formation of various thin films such as (a reflection preventing film or electrostatic charge preventing film) for preventing the reflection or the electrostatic charge, and (an infrared cut-off film or ultraviolet cut-off film) for preventing the absorption and the transmission of the infrared or the ultraviolet.

0432In this case, as the coating processing for the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, various processing formats are considered, for example, processing for forming, as a single member, a thin film having a function of any of the above various thin films, processing for forming a thin film multi-functioned by laminating a plurality of thin films among the various thin films, and processing for forming a thin film multi-functioned among the various thin films.

0433Herein, the reflection preventing film (refereed to as an AR coating) suppresses a reflection ratio of the surface and improves the transmittance by evaporating a multi-layered film obtained by laminating by a thickness of a ¼-wavelength (0.1 to 0.3 μm), for example,

0434silicon oxide (SiO₂),

0435titanate oxide (TiO₂), and

0436zinc oxide (ZnO₂).

0000The surface reflection ratio of a normal glass is approximately 4%. However, the reflection ratio is suppressed to 1% or less by applying the reflection preventing film to the surface.

0437As the electrostatic charge preventing film, a transparent conductive film used for the optical system is applied. The transparent conductive film has the large conductivity and the high translucency in a visible area and, mainly, a visible light average transmittance is about 80% or more and the resistivity is, in many case,

0438about 1×10⁻³Ω·cm or less.

0000The transparent conductive film includes a metal transparent conductive film made of gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), etc., and an oxide semiconductor transparent conductive film made of

0439indium oxide (In₂O₃),

0440tin oxide (SnO₂),

0441zinc oxide (ZnO₂),

0442etc.

0000The metal transparent conductive film has a problem on the translucency and the film intensity and therefore the optical fields mainly use the oxide semiconductor transparent conductive film.

0443The infrared cut-off film (referred to as an IR cut-off film) reflects infrared light (having wavelength of 670 to 680 nm or more) and transmits light in other wavelength areas.

0444The ultraviolet cut-off film (referred to as a UV cut-off film) reflects ultraviolet light (having wavelength of 390 to 410 nm or less) and transmits light in other wavelength areas.

0445When the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is subjected to the coating processing, the adhering force is not sufficiently assured of adhering the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> and the supporting portion <b>23</b>Ac to the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. The thin film formed by the coating processing is likely to be peeled off. In the state in which the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> and the supporting portion <b>23</b>Ac are adhered, the thin film is peeled off. Further, not only the piezoelectric element <b>21</b> but also the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A is also likely to be peeled off.

0446Then, according to the fifteenth embodiment, a thin-film non-forming portion <b>21</b><i>nc </i>(portion shown by a shaded portion in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 40</figref>) is provided, that is, the thin-film non-forming portion <b>21</b><i>nc </i>is not subjected to the coating processing and has no thin film at a portion to which the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> and the supporting portion <b>23</b>Ac are adhered. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 40 and 41</figref>, a portion shown by the reference numeral <b>21</b><i>nca </i>shows a portion to which the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> is adhered. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 40 and 41</figref>, the supporting portion <b>23</b>Ac of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A is adhered to a portion shown by reference numeral <b>21</b><i>ncb. </i>

0447A thin-film forming portion <b>21</b><i>c </i>corresponds to a portion other than the thin-film non-forming portion <b>21</b><i>nc </i>on the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, that is, a transparent portion capable of transmitting valid beams incident into the image pick-up device <b>27</b> from the photographing lens <b>12</b><i>a </i>with respect to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0448Upon adhering and fixing the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A to the above-formed dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, the supporting portion <b>23</b>Ac is abutted onto the thin-film non-forming portion <b>21</b><i>ncb </i>of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. In this state, the adhesive <b>31</b> is used to adhere and fix the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0449Other structures are substantially the same as those according to the thirteenth and fourteenth embodiments.

0450With the thus-formed dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, when the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A is directly abutted onto the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and is adhered thereto, the same advantages as those according to the thirteenth and fourteenth embodiments are obtained. Further, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A is accurately adhered and fixed to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0451In this case, with regard to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A, similarly to the case according to the thirteenth embodiment, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> may be adhered and fixed to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A at the entire circumference of the peripheral portion thereof or, similarly to the case according to the fourteenth embodiment, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> may be adhered and fixed to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>A at a plurality of positions of the peripheral portion thereof.

0452Next, the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

0453According to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention, basically, the structure is the same as that according to the first embodiment but a part of the image pick-up device unit is different. Therefore, the same components as those according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and are not described, and only different components are described. The structure of the entire camera will be illustrated with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> used for the first embodiment.

0454According to the sixteenth embodiment, an image pick-up device unit in a camera will be described in detail.

0455<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 42 to 44</figref> are diagrams showing by extracting a part of the image pick-up device unit in the camera according to the sixteenth embodiment. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 42</figref> is a main-part exploded perspective view showing the disassembled image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 43</figref> is a perspective view showing a cut-off part of the assembled image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 44</figref> is a sectional view along a cut-off plane shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 43</figref>.

0456According to the sixteenth embodiment, an image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>G in the camera <b>1</b> comprises a plurality of members containing the shutter unit <b>14</b>, similarly to the above-mentioned embodiments. Therefore, only a main portion of the image pick-up device unit is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 42 to 44</figref> and the shutter unit <b>14</b> is not shown similarly to the first embodiment (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 to 5</figref>).

0457For the purpose of showing a positional relationship of the members, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 42 to 44</figref>, the members are arranged near the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>G and the main circuit board <b>16</b>, on which the image pick-up system electrical circuits such as the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, the image signal processing circuit <b>16</b><i>a</i>, and the work memory <b>16</b><i>b </i>are mounted, is shown together, similarly to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 to 5</figref> according to the first embodiment. The main circuit board <b>16</b> is one of main circuit boards generally used for the conventional cameras, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

0458The dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> is fixed to the front side of the CCD case <b>24</b> by using a screw <b>23</b><i>b </i>against a screw hole <b>24</b><i>b </i>of the CCD case <b>24</b>. In this case, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 42 to 44</figref>, the circumferential groove <b>24</b><i>d </i>is formed with a substantially annular shape at a predetermined position on the front side of the peripheral portion of the CCD case <b>24</b>. On the other hand, a annular-shaped convex portion <b>23</b><i>d </i>(not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 42</figref>) corresponding to the circumferential groove <b>24</b><i>d </i>of the CCD case <b>24</b> is formed with the substantially annular shape all over the entire circumference at a predetermined position of the back surface at the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>. Therefore, the CCD case <b>24</b> is airtightly fit to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> in an annular-shaped area, namely, in an area having the circumferential groove <b>24</b><i>d </i>and the annular-shaped convex portion <b>23</b><i>d </i>by fitting the annular-shaped convex portion <b>23</b><i>d </i>to the peripheral portion <b>24</b><i>d. </i>

0459The dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is wholly circular- or polygonal-shaped and has at least an area having a predetermined extensity in a radial direction from the center of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> as a transparent portion. The transparent portion is opposed to the front side of the optical LPF <b>25</b> at a predetermined interval.

0460The piezoelectric element <b>22</b>, an electromechanical transducer as a predetermined member for vibration for applying the vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, is arranged to the peripheral portion of one surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (according to the sixteenth embodiment, at the back, that is, the surface on the image pick-up device <b>27</b> side) by adhering means such as an adhesive so as to integrate to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. The piezoelectric element <b>22</b> generates predetermined vibrations of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by externally applying a predetermined driving voltage. In other words, the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> as the member for vibration actively removes dust and the like adhered to the surface of the dust-proofing filter, thereby functioning as cleaning means for clearing the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0461Further, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is fixed and held by the pressing member <b>20</b> made of the elastic member such as a plate-shaped spring so as to airtightly be jointed to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>.

0462An adhering member <b>52</b> such as an adhesive tape as dust collecting means is integrally arranged to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> at an outer peripheral portion of a reversed surface of the adhering surface of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> (according to the sixteenth embodiment, the front side, that is, the reversed side of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, in other words, the surface on the arrangement side of the photographing lens), as another surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, or on the adjacent portion thereof, by using the adhering means such as the adhesive.

0463In this case, a positional relationship among the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> arranged on the one surface (back side) thereof, and the adhering member <b>52</b> arranged on the other surface (front side) is shown in the main-part enlarged perspective view of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 45</figref>.

0464Namely, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 45</figref> is the main-part enlarged perspective view showing a cut-off part of the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>G in the camera, including a cut-off plane, according to the sixteenth embodiment, further showing the arrangement of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> and the adhering member <b>52</b> to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0465As described above, the adhering member <b>52</b> arranged to the predetermined position of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> captures and collects dust and the like removed from the front side of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by adhesive force of the adhering member <b>52</b> upon vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> due to the operation of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> (which will be described later).

0466The adhering member <b>52</b> uses an adhesive tape formed by applying to a predetermined supporter, a rubber-system, acrylic-resin-system, or silicone-system adhesive member.

0467The opening <b>23</b><i>f </i>with a circular or polygonal shape is set substantially in the center of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>. The opening <b>23</b><i>f </i>is set to have a size large enough to pass through the subject beams transmitted through the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>and to irradiate the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> arranged at the back with the beams.

0468The wall portion <b>23</b><i>e </i>projecting to the front side is formed with a substantially annular shape at the peripheral portion of the opening <b>23</b><i>f</i>. The supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c </i>is formed projecting toward the front side on the edge side of the wall portion <b>23</b><i>e. </i>

0469On the other hand, a plurality of (according to the sixteenth embodiment, three) projecting portions <b>23</b><i>a </i>are formed projecting toward the front side, near an outer peripheral portion in front of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>. The projecting portions <b>23</b><i>a </i>are portions formed to fix the pressing member <b>20</b> for fixing and holding the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. The pressing member <b>20</b> is fixed by fastening means such as a fixing screw <b>20</b><i>a </i>to the edges of the projecting portions <b>23</b><i>a. </i>

0470The pressing member <b>20</b> is a member made of the elastic member such as a plate-shaped spring, and a basic end portion of the pressing member <b>20</b> is fixed to the projecting portions <b>23</b><i>a</i>. Further, a free end portion thereof is abutted onto an outer peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, thereby pressing the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> toward the side of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>, that is, in the optical axis direction.

0471In this case, a predetermined portion of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> arranged at the outer peripheral portion at the back of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is abutted onto the supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c</i>, thereby regulating the positions of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> in the optical axis direction. Therefore, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is fixed and held to be airtightly jointed to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> with the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> interposed therebetween.

0472In other words, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> is airtightly jointed to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> via the interposed piezoelectric element <b>22</b> by a pressing force generated by the pressing member <b>20</b>.

0473As mentioned above, with respect to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> and the CCD case <b>24</b>, the circumferential groove <b>24</b><i>d </i>and the annular-shaped convex portion <b>23</b><i>d </i>(refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 42 to 44</figref>) are airtightly fixed. Further, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> is airtightly jointed to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> via the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> interposed by the pressing force of the pressing member <b>20</b>. The optical LPF <b>25</b> arranged to the CCD case <b>24</b> is airtightly arranged between the peripheral portion in front of the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the step portion <b>24</b><i>a </i>of the CCD case <b>24</b>. Further, the image pick-up device <b>27</b> is arranged at the back of the optical LPF <b>25</b> via the low-pass filter supporting member <b>26</b> interposed. If the image pick-up device <b>27</b> is arranged between the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, the airtightness is substantially held.

0474Therefore, in a space formed by opposing the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, the predetermined void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>is formed as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 43 and 44</figref>. Also, the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>is formed on the peripheral side of the optical LPF <b>25</b>, that is, by the CCD case <b>24</b>, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>, and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. The space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>is a sealed space formed to project toward the outside of the optical LPF <b>25</b>. Further, the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>is set to be wider than the void portion <b>51</b><i>a</i>. A space containing the void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>and the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>becomes the sealing space <b>51</b> which is substantially airtightly sealed by the CCD case <b>24</b>, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, and the optical LPF <b>25</b> as mentioned above.

0475In the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>G in the camera <b>1</b> according to the sixteenth embodiment, the sealing structure constitutes the sealing space <b>51</b> which is formed at the peripheral portion of the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and which is substantially sealed, having the void portion <b>51</b><i>a</i>. The sealing structure is arranged outside from the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion of the optical LPF <b>25</b>.

0476Further, according to the sixteenth embodiment, the sealing structure comprises the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> as the first member for supporting the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> in contact with the peripheral portion or an adjacent portion thereof and the CCD case <b>24</b> as the second member which supports the optical LPF <b>25</b> in contact with the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion thereof and which is arranged closely in contact with the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> (first member) at a predetermined portion of the CCD case <b>24</b>.

0477In the camera <b>1</b> with the above-mentioned structure, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is opposed at a predetermined position in front of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, and the sealing space <b>51</b> at the periphery of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is sealed. Consequently, the adhesion of dust, etc. to the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> is prevented.

0478By applying a periodic voltage to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> arranged integrally with the periphery portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and applying predetermined vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, dust and the like to be adhered to the exposure surface in front of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> are removed.

0479In this case, the operations upon vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> are the same as those according to the first embodiment described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 to 11</figref>.

0480Generally, almost all dust and the like removed from the surface in front of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> falls down to the bottom side in the camera <b>1</b> due to the force of gravity. Other dust is adhered to the internal members in the camera <b>1</b> or is adhered to the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> again.

0481According to the sixteenth embodiment, in view of the foregoing, the dust and the like removed from the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> are captured and collected by adhesive force by the adhering member <b>52</b> at the outer peripheral portion of the surface in front of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> or at the adjacent portion thereof. Consequently, this prevents the re-adhesion of the dust and the like removed from the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> to the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> or other internal members.

0482As stated above, according to the sixteenth embodiment, the adhesion of dust and the like to the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> is prevented by forming the sealing structure near the image pick-up device <b>27</b>.

0483Among the members forming the sealing structure, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is vibrated by the operation of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>, thereby removing dust and the like adhered to the surface in front of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by the vibrating action.

0484In addition, the dust and the like removed from the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by the operation of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> are captured and collected by the adhering member <b>52</b> arranged to the outer peripheral portion of the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> or to the adjacent portion thereof. Consequently, this prevents the re-adhesion of the dust and the like to the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> or the surface of the internal members in the camera <b>1</b>.

0485According to the sixteenth embodiment, in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>G in the camera <b>1</b>, the vibrations are applied to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by applying a periodic voltage to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> integrated with the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. The vibrations remove the dust and the like adhered to the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0486The means for removing the dust and the like by applying the vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is highly advantageous to remove relatively large-sized dust particles and the like. However, all the relatively small-sized dust particles and the like adhered to the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> are not removed without fail only by using the vibrating action of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0487Then, according to the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention, an image pick-up device unit in a camera comprises cleaning means for actively removing dust and the like adhered to the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and for cleaning the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0488<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 46 to 49</figref> are diagrams showing by extracting a part of the image pick-up device unit in the camera according to the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 46</figref> is a perspective view showing by extracting a part of the assembled image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 47</figref> is an exploded perspective view showing the dust-proofing filter supporting member and the dust-proofing filter among members forming the image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 48</figref> is a front view showing by extracting a part of the image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 49</figref> is a sectional view along a line <b>49</b>-<b>49</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 48</figref>.

0489Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 46 to 48</figref>, similarly to the case according to the sixteenth embodiment, only a main portion of the image pick-up device unit is shown and the shutter unit (<b>14</b>) is not shown.

0490Basically, the structure according to the seventeenth embodiment is formed in the same manner as that according to the sixteenth embodiment. Therefore, in the following, only different portions from those according to the sixteenth embodiment are described in detail, and the same reference numerals denote the same members and are not described in detail. The structure of the entire camera is not shown because it is substantially the same as that according to the first embodiment with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> used for the description thereof.

0491In the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>G in the camera <b>1</b> according to the sixteenth embodiment, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> are airtightly jointed via the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> interposed by using pressing force of the pressing member <b>20</b> as the elastic member.

0492On the other hand, in an image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>H in the camera according to the seventeenth embodiment, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> are airtightly jointed via the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> interposed by using adhering force generated by the adhesive <b>31</b> (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 47 and 49</figref> and to the fifth embodiment) in place of the pressing force of the pressing member <b>20</b> (elastic member) according to the sixteenth embodiment. Therefore, corresponding thereto, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>C according to the seventeenth embodiment is differently formed from that according to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>C according to the sixteenth embodiment.

0493That is, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>C as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 46 to 49</figref> has an opening <b>23</b>Cf which is circular or polygonal near the center thereof. The subject beams transmitted through the photographing optical system (<b>12</b><i>a</i>) pass through the opening <b>23</b>Cf which is set to have a size enough for the beams to irradiate the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> arranged at the back, similarly to the case according to the first embodiment.

0494A wall portion <b>23</b>Ce projecting toward the front side is substantially annular-shaped at the peripheral portion of the opening <b>23</b>Cf. Further, a supporting portion <b>23</b>Cc projecting toward the front side is formed on the edge side of the wall portion <b>23</b>Ce. The foregoing is substantially the same as that according to the sixteenth embodiment.

0495On the other hand, a plurality of (according to the seventeenth embodiment, three) projecting portions <b>23</b>Ca are formed projecting toward the front side, near an outer peripheral portion in front of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>C. The projecting portions <b>23</b>Ca function as position regulating members for positioning upon adhering and arranging the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>C.

0496At a predetermined position of the outer peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>C, a supporting base portion <b>23</b>Ch is constituted by a supporting shaft <b>23</b>Cg projected in the outer edge direction of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>C, for swingably supporting a wiper member <b>53</b> as cleaning means, which will be described later, in a predetermined direction.

0497The supporting shaft <b>23</b>Cg is a shaft member which is projected toward the front side from the supporting base portion <b>23</b>Ch and which is implanted integrally with the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>C. The wiper member <b>53</b> is arranged swingably in an arrow X direction shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 47 and 48</figref> at the edge portion of the supporting shaft <b>23</b>Cg.

0498The dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is adhered by the adhesive <b>31</b> via the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> interposed in front of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>C.

0499In this case, the adhesive <b>31</b> is applied all over the area of the wall portion <b>23</b>Ce excluding the supporting portion <b>23</b>Cc in the edge portion in the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>C, as an annular-shaped area. In this state, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is adhered from the front side of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>C. The dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is arranged at the predetermined position of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>C by moving the outer peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> along the projecting portion <b>23</b>Ca in the optical direction. The supporting portion <b>23</b>Cc is abutted onto a predetermined position (portion as a node upon vibration) of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (actually, the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>).

0500Therefore, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>C is airtightly jointed to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by the adhesive <b>31</b> in an annular-shaped area near the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, that is, at the edge portion of the wall portion <b>23</b>Ce.

0501Further, similarly to the case according to the sixteenth embodiment, the adhering member <b>52</b> as dust collecting means is arranged to the surface outer-peripheral portion in front of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> or to the adjacent thereto. The piezoelectric element <b>22</b> as a member for vibration and an electromechanical transducer is arranged at the peripheral portion at the back of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0502In addition, according to the seventeenth embodiment, as mentioned above, the image pick-up device unit comprises the wiper member <b>53</b> as the cleaning means for removing the dust and the like adhered to the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and for cleaning the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0503The wiper member <b>53</b> is swingably arranged in the predetermined direction to the edge portion of the supporting shaft <b>23</b>Cg implanted to the supporting base portion <b>23</b>Ch of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>C. A swinging arm portion <b>53</b><i>a </i>(refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 49</figref>) of the wiper member <b>53</b> is arranged to come into contact with the surface in front of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. The swinging arm portion <b>53</b><i>a </i>moves smoothly within a predetermined range of the surface in front of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by swingingly moving the wiper member <b>53</b> in the arrow X direction shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 47 and 48</figref>.

0504Corresponding thereto, the adhering member <b>52</b> arranged at the outer peripheral portion on the surface in front of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> or at the adjacent portion thereof is arranged in an area excluding the area in which the wiper member <b>53</b> moves smoothly. Specifically, the adhering member <b>52</b> is arranged in an area shown by reference numerals L<b>1</b> to L<b>3</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 46 to 48</figref>. Consequently, the adhering member <b>52</b> does not become the obstruction against the smooth movement of the wiper member <b>53</b>.

0505The wiper member <b>53</b> is driven by a driving motor <b>54</b>. The driving motor <b>54</b> is controlled by a wiper driving control unit <b>55</b> controlled by the CPU <b>41</b>.

0506Other structures are the same as those according to the sixteenth embodiment.

0507According to the seventeenth embodiment, with the above-stated structure, similarly to the sixteenth embodiment, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is vibrated by applying a periodic voltage to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> under the control of the dust-proofing filter driving unit <b>48</b> (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) by the CPU <b>41</b> at a predetermined timing. As a result, dust and the like adhered to the surface in front of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> are removed.

0508The dust and the like removed from the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> are captured and collected by the adhering member <b>52</b> provided at the outer peripheral portion on the surface in front of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> or at the adjacent portion thereof.

0509In addition, the CPU <b>41</b> controls a wiper driving control unit <b>55</b> (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 49</figref>) and drives the driving motor <b>54</b> at a predetermined timing, thereby smoothly moving the wiper member <b>53</b> in a predetermined area on the surface in front of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. As a result, even relatively small-sized dust particles and the like adhered to the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> are removed and the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> further becomes clean.

0510The dust and the like removed from the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> using the operation of the wiper member <b>53</b> are captured and collected by the adhering member <b>52</b> arranged at the outer peripheral portion on the surface in front of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> or at the adjacent portion thereof.

0511As mentioned above, almost all dust and the like are removed from the surface in front of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> both by using the smoothly moving operation of the wiper member <b>53</b> and the vibrating action of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> due to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>, and then is adhered to the adhering member <b>52</b>. Thus, the front surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is maintained clean.

0512According to the seventeenth embodiment, the same advantages as those according to the sixteenth embodiment are obtained. In addition, according to the seventeenth embodiment, almost all dust and the like adhered to the front surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> can be removed by providing the wiper member <b>53</b> as the cleaning means.

0513As described above, the adhering member <b>52</b> captures and collects substantially all dust and the like which are removed from the front surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the flow of dust and the like in the space of the camera main body <b>11</b> and the adhesion of the dust and the like to the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and another inner member.

0514Next, a description is given of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention.

0515<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 50 to 52</figref> are diagrams showing by extracting a part of the image pick-up device unit in the camera according to the eighteenth embodiment. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 50</figref> is a perspective view showing by extracting a part of the assembled image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 51</figref> is a sectional view showing by extracting a part of the image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 52</figref> is a main-part enlarged perspective view including a partial cut-off plane of the image pick-up device unit and shows each arrangement of the piezoelectric element and a dust collecting electrode to the dust-proofing filter.

0516Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 50 and 51</figref>, similarly to the case according to the sixteenth embodiment, only a main portion of the image pick-up device unit is shown and the shutter unit (<b>14</b>) is not shown.

0517According to the eighteenth embodiment, basically, the structure is substantially the same as that according to the sixteenth embodiment. Therefore, only different components from those according to the sixteenth embodiment are described in detail. The same reference numerals denote the same components and the details are omitted. The structure of the entire camera is not illustrated because it is substantially the same to that according to the sixteenth embodiment, and is referred to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> described for the description thereof.

0518According to the eighteenth embodiment, an image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>J comprises, as the dust collecting means, the adhering member <b>52</b> according to the sixteenth or seventeenth embodiment and two-step charging type electrical dust-collecting means comprising a needle-shaped electrode <b>57</b> for electrostatic charging (ionizing) of dust and the like, a dust collecting electrode <b>56</b> for absorbing and collecting the electrostatic charged (ionized) dust and the like, and a driving unit <b>58</b> for applying a predetermined voltage to the electrodes <b>56</b> and <b>57</b>.

0519A plurality of needle-shaped electrodes <b>57</b> are fixed to a predetermined position of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> so that electrodes <b>57</b><i>a </i>are opposed to the dust collecting electrode <b>56</b> arranged to the outer peripheral portion of the front surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> or to the adjacent portion thereof. Corona discharge is caused by applying a predetermined voltage to the needle-shaped electrode <b>57</b> by using the driving unit <b>58</b>, thereby charging (applying positive (+) charges to) the dust and the like near the corona discharge.

0520The dust collecting electrode <b>56</b> is arranged to the outer peripheral portion of the front surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> or to the adjacent portion thereof by using the adhering means such as an adhesive (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 52</figref>). Further, the dust collecting electrode <b>56</b> comprises a plate-shaped member having the negative electric charge that is constituted by an electrode (+) to which a predetermined voltage is applied and a set earth electrode (−).

0521Therefore, the dust and the like electrostatic charged by the operation of the needle-shaped electrode <b>57</b> are absorbed to the dust collecting electrode <b>56</b> by Coulomb force (the amount of electric power) in the electric field of the negative-electric-charged dust collecting electrode <b>56</b>.

0522In the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>J according to the eighteenth embodiment, the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> as the member for vibration for applying the vibration to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> removes dust and the like adhered to the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, and the removed dust and the like are electrostatic charged by the operation of the needle-shaped electrode <b>57</b>. The electrostatic charged dust and the like are absorbed and collected to the dust collecting electrode <b>56</b>.

0523In the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>J according to the eighteenth embodiment, the cleaning means for cleaning the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> comprises the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> as the member for vibration for removing dust and the like adhered to the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the two-step charging type electric dust-collecting means having the needle-shaped electrode <b>57</b>, the dust collecting electrode <b>56</b>, and the driving unit <b>58</b> for applying the predetermined voltage to the electrodes <b>56</b> and <b>57</b>.

0524Other structures are the same as those according to the sixteenth embodiment.

0525As mentioned above, according to the eighteenth embodiment, the same advantages as those according to the sixteenth embodiment are obtained. In addition, the electrical dust-collecting means is provided. Thus, the vibrating action of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> using the member for vibration (piezoelectric element <b>22</b>) absorbs and collects dust and the like removed from the front surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. Thus, the front surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is always maintained clean.

0526Incidentally, according to the eighteenth embodiment, similarly to the case according to the first embodiment (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>), the image pick-up device unit in the camera is a unit comprising a plurality of members including the shutter unit (<b>14</b>). However, the present invention is not limited to this and the image pick-up device unit may be constructed by omitting the shutter unit (<b>14</b>). In this case, the camera with the above-described functions is constructed by adopting a lens shutter method i.e., by providing the shutter unit (<b>14</b>) in the lens barrel (<b>12</b>).

0527Next, a description is given of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention.

0528According to the nineteenth embodiment, basically, the structure is substantially the same as that according to the first embodiment and only a part of the image pick-up device unit is different. Therefore, the same components as those according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and are not described, and only the different part is described. The structure of the entire camera is referred to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> used for the description of the first embodiment.

0529Hereinbelow, a detailed description is given of the image pick-up device unit in the camera according to the nineteenth embodiment.

0530<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 53 to 57</figref> are diagrams showing by extracting a part of the image pick-up device unit in the camera <b>1</b> according to the nineteenth embodiment. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 53</figref> is a main-part exploded perspective view showing the schematic structure of the disassembled image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 54</figref> is a perspective view showing a cut-off part of the assembled image pick-up device unit. Incidentally, the cross section along a cut-off plane in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 54</figref> is the same as that according to the first embodiment as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> and therefore <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is referred to. It is not illustrated.

0531<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 55</figref> is a perspective view showing the assembled image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 56</figref> is a sectional view along a line <b>56</b>-<b>56</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 55</figref>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 57</figref> is a perspective view showing only the dust-proofing filter supporting member (<b>23</b>) among the members forming the image pick-up device unit.

0532According to the nineteenth embodiment, an image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>K comprises a plurality of members including the shutter unit <b>14</b> similarly to the above-described embodiments. However, only a main portion is illustrated and the shutter unit <b>14</b> is not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 53 to 56</figref>.

0533For the purpose of showing a positional relationship of the components, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 53 and 54</figref>, the image pick-up device <b>27</b> is loaded while the components are provided near the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>K, and the main circuit board <b>16</b> on which image pick-up system electrical circuits including an image pick-up device, comprising the image signal processing circuit <b>16</b><i>a </i>and the work memory <b>16</b><i>b</i>, are mounted is illustrated. The main circuit board <b>16</b> is one of main circuit boards generally used for the conventional cameras, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

0534In the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>K according to the nineteenth embodiment, by applying the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by using the operation of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> as the cleaning means, similarly to the image pick-up device unit according to the above embodiments, dust and the like adhered to the exposure surface in front of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> are removed.

0535Generally, dust and the like removed from the surface in front of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> fall down to the bottom side in the main body unit <b>11</b> of the camera <b>1</b> due to the force of gravity.

0536A dust receiving portion (a dust-receiver) <b>61</b> is arranged at a predetermined position of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> to receive the dust and the like fallen down to the bottom side of the main body <b>11</b> after being removed from the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0537Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 56</figref>, the dust receiving portion <b>61</b> is formed with a box-shaped cross-section having an opening <b>61</b><i>a </i>on one surface, and is arranged integrally with the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> at a predetermined position near a lower edge of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>. That is, the dust receiving portion <b>61</b> is arranged at a predetermined position on the bottom in the main body unit <b>11</b> of the camera <b>1</b>.

0538In this case, the opening <b>61</b><i>a </i>of the dust receiving portion <b>61</b> is set to be directed to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> arranged in an upper position of the dust receiving portion <b>61</b>. Thus, dust and the like fallen down from the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> fall into the dust receiving portion <b>61</b> via the opening <b>61</b><i>a </i>by the operation of gravity.

0539Further, an adhesive <b>62</b> of a rubber system, acrylic resin system, or silicone system is arranged to an inner wall surface of the dust receiving portion <b>61</b>. The adhesive <b>62</b> is set to capture and collect the dust and the like fallen down in the dust receiving portion <b>61</b> by its adhesive force. Therefore, the reflow of the dust and the like adhered to the adhesive <b>62</b> outside the dust receiving portion <b>61</b> is prevented.

0540As mentioned above, according to the nineteenth embodiment, the dust receiving portion <b>61</b> for receiving dust and the like fallen down by the vibrating action of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> using the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> is arranged at a predetermined position of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>K. Consequently, the dust and the like fallen down from the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by vibrating them are received and collected in the dust receiving portion <b>61</b>.

0541Further, the adhesive <b>62</b> made of a predetermined material is set in the dust receiving portion <b>61</b>. Therefore, the reflow of the dust and the like collected in the dust receiving portion <b>61</b> outside the dust receiving portion <b>61</b>, that is, into the camera <b>1</b> is prevented. Thus, this suppresses the adhesion of dust and the like to the internal members in the camera <b>1</b> and the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is always maintained clean.

0542According to the nineteenth embodiment, the adhesive <b>62</b> is set in the dust receiving portion <b>61</b> of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>, thus to prevent the reflow of dust and the like captured in the dust receiving portion <b>61</b> outside the dust receiving portion <b>61</b>.

0543On the other hand, according to the twentieth embodiment of the present invention, by devising the shape of the dust receiving portion, the flow of the dust and the like outside the dust receiving portion is suppressed without setting the adhesive therein.

0544<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 58</figref> is a main-part enlarged sectional view showing a main portion of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to the twentieth embodiment of the present invention, that is, showing the structure near the dust receiving portion. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 58</figref> shows a main-part cross-section of an enlarged portion corresponding to a portion shown by reference numeral <b>58</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 56</figref>.

0545According to the twentieth embodiment, basically, the camera is the same as that according to the nineteenth embodiment, but is different from that in the shape of a dust receiving portion (<b>61</b>A). Therefore, the same members as those according to the nineteenth embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and are not described in detail.

0546According to the twentieth embodiment, the dust receiving portion <b>61</b>A arranged at the predetermined position of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> functions as a portion for receiving dust and the like fallen down from the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by the vibrating action of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> using the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>, similarly to the nineteenth embodiment.

0547Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 58</figref>, in the dust receiving portion <b>61</b>A, the cross section near the opening <b>61</b>Aa is formed with a funnel shape. That is, a funnel-shaped portion <b>61</b>Ab has a shape to easily receive dust and the like in the dust receiving portion <b>61</b>A. The funnel-shaped portion <b>61</b>Ab is conjoined to a hollow portion <b>61</b>Ac having a cross section which is rectangular-shaped via a passage <b>61</b>Ad.

0548The opening <b>61</b>Aa is formed with a relatively wide opening to accurately receive the dust and the like fallen down from the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. On the other hand, the passage <b>61</b>Ad conjoining between the funnel-shaped portion <b>61</b>Ab and the hollow portion <b>61</b>Ac is formed with a relatively narrow passage so as not to reflow dust and the like in the hollow portion <b>61</b>Ac outside.

0549The hollows portion <b>61</b>Ac is formed with a relatively wide volume so as to collect too much dust and the like.

0550Further, the passage <b>61</b>Ad is formed such that the cross section thereof has a predetermined angle in the vertical direction. That is, the arrangement position of the opening <b>61</b>Aa and the arrangement position of the hollow portion <b>61</b>Ac correspond to the positions shifted in the vertical direction. This is devised considering that the main body unit <b>11</b> always does not have the same position upon using and carrying the camera <b>1</b>.

0551That is, by arranging the opening <b>61</b>Aa and the hollow portion <b>61</b>Ac at the positions shifted in the vertical direction, the dust and the like collected in the hollow portion <b>61</b>Ac are not easily flowed out upon using or carrying the camera <b>1</b> upside down.

0552In the dust receiving portion <b>61</b>A with the above-mentioned shape, the dust and the like entering from the opening <b>61</b>Aa easily enter the inside of the hollow portion <b>61</b>Ac via the passage <b>61</b>Ad from the funnel-shaped portion <b>61</b>Ab. On the other hand, the dust and the like entering the inside of the hollow portion <b>61</b>Ac are not easily flowed out.

0553Other structures are the same as those according to the nineteenth embodiment.

0554As mentioned above, according to the twentieth embodiment, by devising the shape of the dust receiving portion <b>61</b>A, the out-flow of dust and the like to the dust receiving portion <b>61</b>A is easily suppressed without providing the adhesive.

0555According to the embodiments, the dust receiving portions <b>61</b> and <b>61</b>A are arranged at the predetermined positions on the bottom of the camera <b>1</b>. The arrangement positions are set in views of the position of the camera <b>1</b> and of the gravitation upon using and carrying it, and are set to receive more dust.

0556Therefore, the dust receiving portions <b>61</b> and <b>61</b>A are arranged not only at the predetermined positions on the bottom of the camera <b>1</b> as shown according to the embodiments but also at positions near the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>, that is, at positions on both sides of the camera <b>1</b> or either side of them. Thus, the advantages for collecting dust and the like are further obtained.

0557Next, a description is given of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to the twenty-first embodiment of the present invention.

0558<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 59 to 61</figref> are diagrams showing by extracting a part of the image pick-up device unit in the camera according to the twenty-first embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 59</figref> is a main-part exploded perspective view showing the disassembled image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 60</figref> is a perspective view showing a cut-off part of the assembled image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 61</figref> is a sectional view along a cut-off plane in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 60</figref>.

0559According to the twenty-first embodiment, an image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>L in a camera comprises a plurality of members including the shutter unit <b>14</b> similarly to the embodiments. Therefore, only a main portion is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 59 to 61</figref> and the shutter unit <b>14</b> is not described. For the purpose of showing the positional relationship of members, the main circuit board <b>16</b> arranged near the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>L is shown together. The main circuit board <b>16</b> is one of main circuit boards generally used for the conventional cameras, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

0560According to the twenty-first embodiment, basically, the structure is the same as that according to the first embodiment and only a part of the image pick-up device unit is different. Therefore, the same components as those according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and only a different portion is described. The structure of the entire camera is referred to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> used for the description of the first embodiment.

0561A detailed description is given of an image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>L in a camera according to the twenty-first embodiment.

0562According to the twenty-first embodiment, the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>L comprises the image pick-up device unit according to the first embodiment, and a soft member <b>61</b> made of circular-shaped rubber on the supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c </i>as a portion at which the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> is abutted onto the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (or the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>) between the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> as the main portion of the sealing structure and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (or the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>).

0563In this case, the soft member <b>61</b> provided at the edge of the supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c </i>of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> is abutted onto a predetermined portion of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> arranged at the outer peripheral portion at the back of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. Thus, the positions of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> are regulated in the optical direction. Therefore, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is fixed and held to airtightly be jointed to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> via the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> and the soft member <b>61</b> interposed.

0564In other words, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> is airtightly jointed to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> via the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> and the soft member <b>61</b> by elastic force caused by the pressing member <b>20</b>.

0565As mentioned above, in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>L in the camera according to the twenty-first embodiment, the sealing structure is formed to seal the sealing space <b>51</b> (space portion) containing the portion (void portion <b>51</b><i>a</i>) formed by opposing the image pick-up device unit <b>27</b> and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the space portion <b>51</b><i>b </i>which is substantially sealed at the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. The sealing structure is arranged at the outside from the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion of the optical LPF <b>25</b>.

0566That is, according to the twenty-first embodiment, the sealing structure comprises the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> for supporting the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> in contact with the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion thereof, the CCD case <b>24</b> arranged for supporting the optical LPF <b>25</b> in contact with the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion thereof and for coming into contact with the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> at its predetermined portion, the pressing member <b>20</b> for pressing the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (and the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>) to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>, and the like.

0567According to the twenty-first embodiment, in the camera with the foregoing structure, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is opposed at the predetermined position to the front of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> so as to seal the sealing space <b>51</b> formed at the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> and the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. Thus, the adhesion of dust to the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> is prevented.

0568Dust adhered to the exposing surface in front of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is removed by applying a periodic voltage to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> arranged integrally with the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and by applying a predetermined vibration to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0569Similarly to the above embodiments, preferably, the supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c </i>of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> is abutted on the node of the vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. The position of the portion as the node of the vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is varied depending on the size (thickness dimension or diameter) of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> or on the size of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> for vibrating the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0570Therefore, according to the twenty-first embodiment, in addition to the foregoing, the soft member <b>61</b> arranged to the supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c </i>of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> is abutted onto the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>. Further, the soft member <b>61</b> may be abutted onto the predetermined position on the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> depending on various conditions.

0571According to the twenty-first embodiment, the same advantages as those according to the first embodiment are obtained.

0572Further, according to the twenty-first embodiment, the soft member <b>61</b> such as rubber is arranged to the contact portion between the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> (main body unit of the sealing structure) and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (or the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>).

0573Therefore, with the above-described structure, the attenuation of the vibrations of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is suppressed at the contact portion where the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> or the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> comes into contact with the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> (main body unit of the sealing structure) upon applying the vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by the operation of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>.

0574Next, a description is given of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to the twenty-second embodiment of the present invention.

0575<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 62 and 63</figref> are diagrams showing by extracting a part of the image pick-up device unit in the camera according to the twenty-second embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 62</figref> is a perspective view showing a cut-off part of the assembled main body unit of the sealing structure (dust-proofing filter supporting member), the dust-proofing filter, and the piezoelectric element among the members forming the image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 63</figref> is a sectional view along a line <b>63</b>-<b>63</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 62</figref>.

0576According to the twenty-second embodiment, basically, the structure is the same as that according to the twenty-first embodiment, and only a dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>D as the main body unit of the sealing structure is different. Therefore, the same structure as that according to the twenty-first embodiment is designated by the same reference numeral and is not described. The structure of the entire camera is not illustrated and is referred to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> used for the description of the first embodiment.

0577Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 62 and 63</figref>, according to the twenty-second embodiment, similarly to the twenty-first embodiment, the circular-shaped soft member <b>61</b> is arranged to the edge portion of a supporting portion <b>23</b>Dc and the soft member <b>61</b> is abutted on the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>.

0578According to the twenty-second embodiment, in the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>D, a groove portion <b>23</b>Dm having a substantially C-shaped cross-section as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 63</figref> is formed to the entire circumference on the inner peripheral surface of a wall portion <b>23</b>De. Thus, the supporting portion <b>23</b>Dc is formed with the softness in the direction of an arrow X as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 63</figref>.

0579Other structures are the same as those according to the twenty-first embodiment.

0580According to the twenty-second embodiment, in the image pick-up device unit, similarly to the twenty-first embodiment, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is periodically vibrated by applying a predetermined periodic voltage to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> at a predetermined timing. In this case, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is vibrated, conceptually, in the direction of the arrow X as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 63</figref>.

0581According to the twenty-second embodiment, similarly to the twenty-first embodiment, the soft member <b>61</b> such as rubber is arranged to the contact portion between the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>D (main body unit of the sealing structure) and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (or the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>). Further, the groove portion <b>23</b>Dm is formed to the predetermined position of the wall portion <b>23</b>De in the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>D. Thus, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (or the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>) is supported against the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>D with softness and the movement of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (or the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>) in the direction of the arrow X as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 63</figref>, that is, the attenuation of the vibration is suppressed.

0582Next, a description is given of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to the twenty-third embodiment of the present invention.

0583<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 64 to 66</figref> show the twenty-third embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 64</figref> is a perspective view showing by extracting the image pick-up device unit in the camera according to the twenty-third embodiment. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 65</figref> is a sectional view along a line <b>65</b>-<b>65</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 64</figref>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 66</figref> is an enlarged perspective view showing the adjacent portion of the contact portion between the main body unit of the sealing structure (dust-proofing filter supporting member) and the dust-proofing member (dust-proofing filter) in the image pick-up device unit, including the cross section of the adjacent portion of the contact portion.

0584According to the twenty-third embodiment, basically, the structure is the same as that according to the twenty-first embodiment. However, according to the twenty-third embodiment, the soft member <b>61</b> according to the twenty-first embodiment is excluded and a dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>E as the main body unit of the sealing structure functions as the soft member <b>61</b> according to the twenty-first embodiment. Therefore, the same structure as that according to the first embodiment is designated by the same reference numeral and is not described. The structure of the entire camera is not illustrated and is referred to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>.

0585In an image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>M according to the twenty-third embodiment, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>E as the main body unit of the sealing structure is made of a soft material having the softness of hard rubber. Corresponding thereto, according to the twenty-first embodiment, the soft member <b>61</b> according to the twenty-first embodiment is excluded.

0586The dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is supported with the softness via the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> interposed by the supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c </i>formed at the edge portion of the wall portion <b>23</b><i>e </i>of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>E.

0587Other structure is the same as that according to the first embodiment.

0588Therefore, according to the twenty-third embodiment, the soft member <b>61</b> according to the twenty-first embodiment is removed and only the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>E itself is made of the soft material. Thus, the same advantages as those according to the twenty-first embodiment are obtained. This reduces the number of members and contributes to the simplification of the assembling process and to the reduction in manufacturing costs.

0589As means for supporting the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> with the softness, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>E is made of the soft material. In addition, at least the adjacent portion of the wall portion <b>23</b><i>e </i>and the supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c </i>in the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>E are made of the soft material. Thus, the same advantages are obtained.

0590Next, a description is given of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to the twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention.

0591<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 67 to 69</figref> are sectional views of the image pick-up device unit according to the twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 67</figref> is a sectional view showing a normal status in which the voltage is not applied to the piezoelectric element in the image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 68</figref> is a sectional view showing a status in which the positive voltage or the negative voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element in the image pick-up device unit. FIG. <b>69</b> is a sectional view showing a status in which the negative voltage or the positive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element.

0592The sectional views shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 67 to 69</figref> show the cross section at a portion along a line <b>65</b>-<b>65</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 64</figref> used for the description of the twenty-third embodiment.

0593According to the twenty-fourth embodiment, basically, the structure is the same as that according to the twenty-third embodiment. According to the twenty-fourth embodiment, only the structure of a dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>F as the main body unit forming the sealing structuring in an image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>N is slightly different. The same structure as that according to the twenty-third embodiment is designated by the same reference numeral and is not described in detail. The structure of the entire camera is not illustrated and is referred to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> used for the description of the first embodiment.

0594In the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>N in the camera according to the twenty-fourth embodiment, the sealing structure is provided for sealing the predetermined sealing space <b>51</b> at the peripheral portion of the image pick-up device unit <b>27</b> and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> so that the almost-sealed void portion <b>51</b><i>a </i>is structured at the opposed portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the image pick-up device <b>27</b>.

0595Similarly to the above embodiments, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is vibrated by applying a predetermined periodic voltage to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>.

0596According to the twenty-fourth embodiment, in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>N, a base portion <b>23</b>Fs of a projecting portion <b>23</b>Fa is elastically formed for attaching the pressing member <b>20</b> of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>F. Therefore, the base portion <b>23</b>Fs of the projecting portion <b>23</b>Fa is formed, for example, with concertinas, thus forming a retracting structure for retraction by a predetermined amount in the direction of arrows X<b>1</b> and X<b>2</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 68 and 69</figref>.

0597Other structure is the same as that according to the twenty-third embodiment.

0598With the above-mentioned structure, the operation of the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>N of the camera according to the twenty-fourth embodiment is as follows.

0599First, in the normal status (the status shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 67</figref>) in which the voltage is not applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>N, the positive (+) voltage, for example, is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>, thus to enter the status shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 68</figref>.

0600In this status, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is bent toward the image pick-up device <b>27</b> and the optical LPF <b>25</b>. Thus, the adjacent portion of the center of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is extremely in contact with the front surface of the CCD case <b>24</b>. On the other hand, force acts in the direction of the arrow X<b>1</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 68</figref> near the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0601The elastic force acts near the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, whereas the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is directed toward the image pick-up device <b>27</b> and the optical LPF <b>25</b> by the pressing member <b>20</b>. The base end portion of the pressing member <b>20</b> is fixed at a distal end portion of the projecting portion <b>23</b>Fa by the fixing screw <b>20</b><i>a</i>. Therefore, the force acting near the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> retracts the projecting portion <b>23</b>Fa in the direction of the arrow X<b>1</b> against the elastic force of the pressing member <b>20</b>. The retraction of the projecting portion <b>23</b>Fa suppresses the attenuation of the vibrations of the dust-proofing filter <b>20</b>.

0602On the other hand, in the normal status (the status shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 67</figref>) in which the voltage is not applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>N or in the status shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 68</figref>, the application of the voltage to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> is reset and the status returns to that shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 67</figref>. Then, for example, the negative voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>N, thereby entering the status shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 69</figref>.

0603In this status, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is bent in the direction in which the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is leaving from the optical LPF <b>25</b>. Thus, the adjacent portion of the center of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is remote from the CCD case <b>24</b>. On the other hand, the force acts in the direction of the arrow X<b>2</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 69</figref> near the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0604In this case, the force acting near the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> acts in the direction in which the projecting portion <b>23</b>F is constricted in the direction of the arrow X<b>2</b>. Thus, the constriction of the projecting portion <b>23</b>Fa suppresses the attenuation of the vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>20</b>.

0605According to the twenty-fourth embodiment, the same advantages as those according to the twenty-third embodiment are obtained. Further, in order to attach the pressing member <b>20</b>, the base portion <b>23</b>Fs of the projecting portion <b>23</b>Fa arranged to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>F can be elastic. Consequently, upon vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by the operation of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>, the attenuation of the vibrations is suppressed and the vibrations are stably ensured.

0606According to the twenty-first to twenty-fourth embodiments, the soft material forms the contact portion of the dust-proofing member (dust-proofing filter) or the member for vibration (piezoelectric element) and the main body unit of the sealing structure (dust-proofing filter supporting member) of the sealing structure, the dust-proofing member or the member for vibration is supported to the main body portion of the sealing structure with softness. However, the attenuation of the vibrations of the dust-proofing member (dust-proofing filter) is suppressed by using another means. Next, this example is described according to the twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention.

0607<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 70 and 71</figref> are diagrams showing the twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 70</figref> is a main-part exploded perspective view showing a disassembled image pick-up device unit according to the twenty-fifth embodiment. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 71</figref> is an enlarged perspective view showing the adjacent portion of the contact portion of the main body unit in the sealing structure (dust-proofing filter supporting member) and the dust-proofing member (dust-proofing filter) in the image pick-up device unit, including the cross section thereof.

0608According to the twenty-fifth embodiment, the structure is basically the same as that according to the twenty-first embodiment. The dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G as the main body unit of the sealing structuring, the pressing member <b>20</b>A for pressing the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> as the dust-proofing member toward the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G, and the arrangement position of the soft member <b>62</b> as the means for suppressing the attenuation of the vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> are different from those according to the twenty-first embodiment. Other structure is the same as that according to the twenty-first embodiment. Therefore, the same structure as that according to the twenty-first embodiment is designated by the same reference numeral and is not described in detail. The structure of the entire camera is not illustrated and is referred to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> used for the description of the first embodiment.

0609According to the twenty-fifth embodiment, in an image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>P, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G forming the main body unit of the sealing structure is fixed to the screw hole <b>24</b><i>b </i>of the CCD case <b>24</b> by using the screw <b>23</b><i>b </i>in front of the CCD case <b>24</b>. In this case, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 71</figref>, the CCD case <b>24</b> and the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G are airtightly fit to each other in an annular area by fitting the circumferential groove <b>24</b><i>d </i>formed in front of the CCD case <b>24</b> to the annular convex portion <b>23</b><i>d </i>formed at the back of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G, similarly to the case according to the twenty-first embodiment.

0610The dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G has an opening <b>23</b><i>f </i>which is circularly or polygonally pierced near the center thereof. The subject beams transmitted through the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>pass through the opening <b>23</b><i>f </i>which is set to have a size large enough for the beams to irradiate the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> arranged at the back.

0611The wall portion <b>23</b><i>e </i>projecting toward the front surface is substantially annular at the peripheral portion of the opening <b>23</b><i>f</i>. Further, the supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c </i>projecting toward the front surface is formed at the edge portion of the wall portion <b>23</b><i>e. </i>

0612On the other hand, a plurality of (according to the twenty-fifth embodiment, three) projecting portions <b>23</b>Gg are formed projecting toward the front side, near an outer peripheral portion in the front of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G.

0613Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 70</figref>, the projecting portions <b>23</b>Gg are formed to fix a pressing member <b>23</b>A for fixing and holding the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by the screw. The pressing member <b>20</b>A is fixed to the screw hole formed to the projecting portions <b>23</b>Gg by fastening means such as the fixing screw <b>20</b><i>a</i>. The projecting portions <b>23</b>Gg function as position regulating members for positioning upon adhering and arranging the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G.

0614The dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is pressed toward the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G for being fixed and held, by the pressing member <b>20</b>A which is made of an elastic member such as a plate-shaped spring to airtightly be jointed to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G and which is circularly formed.

0615That is, the pressing member <b>20</b>A is made of the elastic member such as the plate-shaped spring with a circular shape. A plurality of (three, according to the twenty-fifth embodiment) convex pieces <b>20</b>Ab are projected toward the outside at the peripheral portion of the pressing member <b>20</b>A. Piercing holes are set to the convex pieces <b>20</b>Ab to penetrate the fixing screw <b>20</b><i>a. </i>

0616The dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is arranged at a predetermined position of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G. Then, the pressing member <b>20</b>A is fixed by using the screw. In this case, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is easily arranged at the predetermined position of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G by moving the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> in the optical direction along the projecting portions <b>23</b>Gg.

0617The supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c </i>is abutted on the predetermined position (portion as a node upon vibration) of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (actually, the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>).

0618In this status, by overlapping and arranging the pressing member <b>20</b>A to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is sandwiched between the pressing member <b>20</b>A and the supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c </i>of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G.

0619Further, the soft member <b>62</b> made of rubber, which is circularly formed at a predetermined position, is sandwiched between the pressing member <b>20</b>A and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. The soft member <b>62</b> is adhered to a predetermined position (portion as a node for vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>) near the peripheral portion of the surface on the side of the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, or to a predetermined position on the side of one surface of a plain-plate portion of the pressing member <b>20</b>A, that is, on the opposed side of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, by using the adhering means such as the adhesive or a two-sided tape.

0620In this status, by fixing the pressing member <b>20</b>A to the screw holes of the projecting portions <b>23</b>Gg by using the fixing screw <b>20</b><i>a</i>, a circular plate-shaped portion of the pressing member <b>20</b>A is abutted on a predetermined portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and presses the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> toward the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G by its elastic force.

0621In this case, a predetermined portion of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> arranged at the peripheral portion at the back of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is abutted on the supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c</i>, thereby regulating the positions of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> in the optical direction. Thus, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is fixed and held to airtightly be jointed to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G via the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> interposed.

0622A holding structure for pressing the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> to press and fix the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (dust-proofing member) to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G (sealing structure) comprises the pressing member <b>20</b>A, the projecting portions <b>23</b>Gg of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G, and the like.

0623Other structure is the same as that according to the twenty-first embodiment. The image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>P in the camera according to the twenty-fifth embodiment is operated in the same manner as that according to the twenty-first embodiment and removes the dust and the like adhered to the surface of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0624As mentioned above, in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>P according to the twenty-fifth embodiment, the same advantages as those according to the twenty-first embodiment are obtained.

0625According to the twenty-fifth embodiment, the soft member <b>62</b> is arranged at the predetermined position between the pressing member <b>20</b>A and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, thereby easily suppressing the vibrations of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0626Next, a description is given of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to the twenty-sixth embodiment of the present invention.

0627According to the twenty-sixth embodiment, basically, the structure is the same as that according to the twenty-fifth embodiment and only a part of the image pick-up device unit is slightly different. Therefore, the same structure as that according to the twenty-fifth embodiment is designated by the same reference numeral. The structure of the entire camera is referred to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> used for the description of the first embodiment.

0628<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 72 and 73</figref> are diagrams showing by extracting a part of the image pick-up device unit in the camera according to the twenty-sixth embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 72</figref> is a main-part exploded perspective view showing the disassembled image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 73</figref> is a main-part enlarged perspective view showing by extracting a part of the image pick-up device unit, including an enlarged portion of the dust-proofing member and an attaching portion of the pressing member.

0629According to the twenty-sixth embodiment, an image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>Q in the camera comprises members including the shutter unit <b>14</b> according to the above-mentioned embodiments. However, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 72</figref>, only the main portion is illustrated and the shutter unit <b>14</b> is not illustrated. For the purpose of showing the positional relationship of the members, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 72</figref>, the main circuit board <b>16</b> provided near the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>Q is illustrated together. The main circuit board <b>16</b> is one of main circuit boards generally used for the conventional cameras, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

0630A detailed description is given of the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>Q in the camera according to the twenty-sixth embodiment.

0631<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 72 and 73</figref> are diagrams showing by extracting a part of the image pick-up device unit in the camera according to the twenty-sixth embodiment. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 72</figref> is a main-part exploded perspective view showing the disassembled image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 73</figref> is a main-part enlarged perspective view showing by extracting a part of the image pick-up device unit, including an enlarged portion of the dust-proofing member and the attaching portion of the pressing member.

0632According to the twenty-sixth embodiment, the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>Q in the camera <b>1</b> comprises members including the shutter unit <b>14</b> as mentioned above. However, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 72</figref>, only the main portion is illustrated and the shutter unit <b>14</b> is not illustrated. For the purpose of showing the positional relationship of the members, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 72</figref>, the main portion is provided near the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>Q, the image pick-up device <b>27</b> is loaded. Further, the main circuit board <b>16</b> to which an image pick-up system electrical circuit containing the image signal processing circuit <b>16</b><i>a </i>and the work memory <b>16</b><i>b </i>is illustrated together. The main circuit board <b>16</b> is of a type generally used for conventional cameras, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

0633The image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>Q comprises: the image pick-up device <b>27</b> comprising the CCD and the like, which obtains the image signal corresponding to light transmitted through the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>and irradiated to the photoelectrically converting surface; the image pick-up device fixing plate <b>28</b> comprising a thin-sheet member for fixing and supporting the image pick-up device <b>27</b>; the optical low-pass filter (hereinafter, referred to as an optical LPF) <b>25</b> arranged on the side of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, as an optical device which is formed to remove high frequency components from the subject beams transmitted and irradiated through the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a</i>; the low-pass filter supporting member <b>26</b> provided in the periphery between the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, which is made of substantially-frame-shaped elastic members; the image pick-up device accommodating case member (hereinafter, referred to as the CCD case) <b>24</b> which accommodates, fixes, and holds the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, supports the optical LPF <b>25</b> (optical device) to be in contact with a peripheral portion and at an adjacent portion of the optical LPF <b>25</b> and which comes into closely contact with a dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H comprising a part of a sealing structure, which will be described later, at a predetermined portion; the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H which is abutted on the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (dust-proofing member) arranged in the front of the CCD case <b>24</b> at a peripheral portion and an adjacent portion thereof and supports it; the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> as an optical member and a dust-proofing member, opposed and arranged at a predetermined position having a predetermined interval to the optical LPF <b>25</b> in the front of the optical LPF <b>25</b> on the side of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, which is supported by the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H; the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> arranged to the surface on the opposed side of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> at a peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, as a member for vibration for applying a predetermined vibration to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, comprising an electromechanical transducer such as piezoelectric ceramics; a plate-shaped pressing member <b>20</b>B comprising an elastic member which joints the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> airtightly, and the like.

0634The image pick-up device <b>27</b> obtains the image signal corresponding to the subject image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface thereof by receiving the subject beams transmitted through the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>onto the photoelectrically converting surface thereof and by performing photoelectrically converting processing, and corresponds to, e.g., a charge coupled device (CCD).

0635The image pick-up device <b>27</b> is mounted at a predetermined position on the main circuit board <b>16</b> via the image pick-up device fixing plate <b>28</b> interposed. As mentioned above, the image signal processing circuit <b>16</b><i>a </i>and the work memory <b>16</b><i>b</i>, etc. are mounted on the main circuit board <b>16</b> so that an output signal from the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, that is, the image signal obtained by the photoelectrically converting processing is transmitted to the image signal processing circuit <b>16</b><i>a </i>or the like.

0636As the signal processing in the image signal processing circuit <b>16</b><i>a</i>, the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>held in the lens barrel <b>12</b> loaded to the photographing optical system mounting unit <b>11</b><i>a </i>converts the image signal obtained from the image pick-up device <b>27</b> to a signal matching the recording, corresponding to the image formed onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>. The above-mentioned signal processing is the same as processing for treating the digital image signal, usually performed in the general digital cameras. Therefore, a detailed description of various signal processing executed in the camera <b>1</b> is omitted.

0637The optical LPF <b>25</b> is arranged in front of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> while sandwiching the low-pass filter supporting member <b>26</b>. The CCD case <b>24</b> is arranged to cover the optical LPF <b>25</b>.

0638That is, an opening <b>24</b><i>c </i>which is rectangular substantially in the center is provided for the CCD case <b>24</b>. The optical LPF <b>25</b> and the image pick-up device <b>27</b> are arranged from the back side at the opening <b>24</b><i>c</i>. The step portion <b>24</b><i>a </i>whose cross section is almost L-shaped is formed at an inner peripheral portion of the back side of the opening <b>24</b><i>c </i>(refer back to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref>).

0639As mentioned above, the low-pass filter supporting member <b>26</b> made of an elastic member or the like is arranged between the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the image pick-up device <b>27</b>. In the peripheral portion in front of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, the low-pass filter supporting member <b>26</b> is arranged within a valid range of the photoelectrically converting surface, in other words, at a position for evacuating valid beams incident on the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, and is abutted on an adjacent portion of the peripheral portion at the back of the optical LPF <b>25</b>. The airtightness is substantially held between the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the image pick-up device <b>27</b>. Thus, elastic force acts to the optical LPF <b>25</b> in the optical axis direction by the low-pass filter supporting member <b>26</b>.

0640Then, the peripheral portion in front of the optical LPF <b>25</b> is airtightly abutted on the step portion <b>24</b><i>a </i>of the CCD case <b>24</b>. Thus, the position of the optical LPF <b>25</b> in the optical axis direction is regulated against the elastic force generated by the low-pass filter supporting member <b>26</b>, which tends to displace the optical LPF <b>25</b> to the optical axis direction.

0641In other words, the optical LPF <b>25</b> inserted from the back side in the opening <b>24</b><i>c </i>of the CCD case <b>24</b> is subjected to the position regulation in the optical direction by using the step portion <b>24</b><i>a</i>. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the optical LPF <b>25</b> from breaking away from the inside of the CCD case <b>24</b> towards the front side.

0642As mentioned above, after inserting the optical LPF <b>25</b> in the opening <b>24</b><i>c </i>of the CCD case <b>24</b> from the back side, the image pick-up device <b>27</b> is arranged at the back side of the optical LPF <b>25</b>. In this case, the low-pass filter supporting member <b>26</b> is sandwiched between the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the image pick-up device <b>27</b> in the peripheral portion of the low-pass filter supporting member <b>26</b>.

0643As mentioned above, the image pick-up device <b>27</b> is mounted on the main circuit board <b>16</b> while sandwiching the image pick-up device fixing plate <b>28</b>. The image pick-up device fixing plate <b>28</b> is fixed to the screw holes <b>24</b><i>e </i>from the back of the CCD case <b>24</b> via the spacer <b>28</b><i>a </i>interposed by the screw <b>28</b><i>b</i>. The main circuit board <b>16</b> is fixed to the image pick-up device fixing plate <b>28</b> via the spacer <b>16</b><i>c </i>by the screw <b>16</b><i>d </i>interposed.

0644In front of the CCD case <b>24</b>, the dust-proofing supporting member <b>23</b>H is fixed to the screw holes <b>24</b><i>b </i>of the CCD case <b>24</b> by the screw <b>23</b><i>b</i>. In this case, the circumferential groove <b>24</b><i>d </i>is formed with a substantially annular shape at the predetermined position in front of the CCD case <b>24</b> in the peripheral side thereof. On the other hand, at the predetermined position at the back and the peripheral side of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H, the annular convex portion <b>23</b><i>d </i>(not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 72</figref>, refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 73</figref>, and further refer back to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4</figref> and <b>5</b> according to the first embodiment) corresponding to the circumferential groove <b>24</b><i>d </i>of the CCD <b>24</b> is substantially annularly formed throughout the circumference. By fitting the annular convex portion <b>23</b><i>d </i>to the circumferential groove <b>24</b><i>d</i>, the CCD case <b>24</b> is fit to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H airtightly in an annular area, that is, in an area in which the circumferential groove <b>24</b><i>d </i>and the annular convex portion <b>24</b><i>d </i>are formed.

0645The dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is circular or polygonal plate-shaped as a whole, and forms a transparent portion as at least an area having a predetermined spread in a radial direction from the center of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. The transparent portion is opposed and arranged in front of the optical LPF <b>25</b> at a predetermined interval.

0646At the peripheral portion of one surface (back surface according to the twenty-sixth embodiment) of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> annularly formed by the electromechanical transducer, as a predetermined member for vibration for applying the vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, is integrally arranged by means of adhesion using an adhesive. The piezoelectric element <b>22</b> generates predetermined vibrations in the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by applying a predetermined driving voltage from the outside.

0647The dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is fixed and held by the pressing member <b>20</b>B made of the elastic member such as a plate-shaped spring so as to be airtightly jointed to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H.

0648The circular or polygonal opening <b>23</b><i>f </i>is pierced almost near the center of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H. The opening <b>23</b><i>f </i>has a size enough to transmit the subject beams which are transmitted through the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>and to irradiate with the beams the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> arranged at the back.

0649The wall portion <b>23</b><i>e </i>projecting in front is formed at a peripheral portion of the opening <b>23</b><i>f</i>. Further, the supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c </i>is formed so that it projects towards the front side at the edge of the wall portion <b>23</b><i>e. </i>

0650A plurality of projecting portions <b>23</b>Ha and a plurality of pressing member fixing portions <b>23</b>Hg (three projecting portions and three pressing member fixing portions according to the twenty-sixth embodiment) are formed, projecting toward the front side, near an outer peripheral portion in front of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H.

0651The projecting portions <b>23</b>Ha function as position regulating members for positioning the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H to arrange the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0652The pressing member fixing portions <b>23</b>Hg are portions formed to fix the pressing member <b>20</b>B for fixing and holding the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by the screw as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 73</figref>. The pressing member <b>20</b>B is fixed by fastening means such as the fixing screw <b>20</b><i>a </i>to the screw hole formed to the pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Hg.

0653<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 73</figref> is a main-part enlarged sectional perspective view showing an enlarged adjacent portion of the pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Hg used for fixing and holding a part of the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>Q, that is, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the pressing member <b>20</b>B to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H.

0654As mentioned above, the pressing member <b>20</b>B is made of the elastic member such as the plate-shaped spring and is circularly formed. A plurality of (three, according to the twenty-sixth embodiment) convex pieces <b>20</b>Bb are projected toward the outside at the peripheral portion of the pressing member <b>20</b>B. Piercing holes are set to the convex pieces <b>20</b>Bb through which the fixing screw <b>20</b><i>a </i>penetrates.

0655The dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is arranged at a predetermined position of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H. Then, the pressing member <b>20</b>B is fixed by using the screw. In this case, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is easily arranged at the predetermined position of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H by moving the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> in the optical direction along the projecting portion <b>23</b>Ha.

0656The supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c </i>is abutted on the predetermined position (portion as a node upon vibration) of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (actually, the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>).

0657In this status, by overlapping and arranging the pressing member <b>20</b>B to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is sandwiched between the pressing member <b>20</b>B and the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H. In this case, the pressing member <b>20</b>B is fixed to the screw holes of the pressing member fixing portions <b>23</b>Hg by the fixing screws <b>20</b><i>a</i>. Then, a plain circular-shaped portion of the pressing member <b>20</b>B is abutted on a predetermined portion of the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, thereby pressing the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> toward the side of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H by the elastic force of the pressing member <b>20</b>B.

0658In this case, by making the predetermined portion of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> arranged at the peripheral portion at the back of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> abut on the supporting portion <b>23</b><i>c</i>, the positions of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> are regulated in the optical axis direction. Therefore, the dust-proofing filler <b>21</b> is fixed and held to airtightly be jointed to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H via the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> interposed.

0659In other words, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H is airtightly jointed to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> via the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> interposed by the elastic force caused by the pressing member <b>20</b>B.

0660As mentioned above, the holding structure for pressing the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> to press and fix the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (dust-proofing member) to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H (sealing structure) comprises the pressing member <b>20</b>B, the projecting portions <b>23</b>Hg of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H, and the like.

0661Between the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H and the CCD case <b>24</b>, the circumferential groove <b>24</b><i>d </i>is airtightly fit to the annular convex portion <b>23</b><i>d</i>. Further, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H is airtightly jointed to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> via the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> interposed by the pressing force of the pressing member <b>20</b>B.

0662The optical LPF <b>25</b> arranged to the CCD case <b>24</b> becomes airtight between the peripheral portion in front of the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the step portion <b>24</b><i>a </i>of the CCD case <b>24</b>.

0663Further, the image pick-up device <b>27</b> is arranged at the back of the optical LPF <b>25</b> via the low-pass filter supporting member <b>26</b> interposed. Between the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, the airtightness is substantially held.

0664Therefore, with the foregoing structure, in the space formed by opposing the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, a predetermined air gap portion is formed. A space portion is formed on the peripheral side of the optical LPF <b>25</b>, that is, by the CCD case <b>24</b>, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H, and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. The space portion is a sealed space formed, projecting toward the outside of the optical LPF <b>25</b>.

0665In this case, the space portion is set to be wider than the air gap portion. A space containing the air gap portion and the space portion becomes a sealing space which is substantially airtightly sealed by the CCD case <b>24</b>, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, and the optical LPF <b>25</b> as mentioned above.

0666As described above, the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>Q in the camera according to the twenty-sixth embodiment comprises the sealing structure for forming the sealing space which is substantially sealed and is formed at the peripheral portion of the optical LPF <b>25</b> and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, including the air gap portion. The sealing structure is arranged at the outside position from the optical LPF <b>25</b> to the adjacent portion thereof.

0667In addition, according to the twenty-sixth embodiment, the sealing structure comprises the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H for supporting the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> in contact with the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion thereof, the CCD case <b>24</b> arranged for supporting the optical LPF <b>25</b> in contact with the peripheral portion or the adjacent portion thereof and for coming into contact with the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H at its predetermined portion, and the like.

0668According to the twenty-sixth embodiment, with the foregoing structure, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is opposed at the predetermined position to the front of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> and the sealing space for sealing a space formed at the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> and at the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is formed. Thus, the adhesion of dust to the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> is prevented.

0669Dusts adhered to the exposing surface in front of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is removed by applying a periodic voltage to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> arranged integrally with the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and by applying a predetermined vibration to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0670The soft member <b>62</b> used for the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>P according to the twenty-fifth embodiment is removed according to the twenty-sixth embodiment.

0671According to the twenty-sixth embodiment, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H as the sealing structure is airtightly jointed, fixed, and held to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> as the dust-proofing member arranged in front of the image pick-up device <b>27</b> by pressing the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H by using the elastic force of the pressing member <b>20</b>B.

0672In this case, the plate-shaped pressing member <b>20</b>B is formed with a circular shape. Therefore, the pressing member <b>20</b>B uniformly presses the predetermined position near the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. Thus, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is stably and accurately fixed and held.

0673The pressing member <b>20</b>B is formed with a simple shape and therefore the structure of the holding structure is simplified. Corresponding thereto, advantageously, the members are easily manufactured and the assembling process of the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>Q is simplified.

0674According to the twenty-sixth embodiment, the pressing member <b>20</b>B made of the elastic member such as the plate-shaped spring, with the circular shape, is used as the member of the holding structure for airtightly jointing, fixing, and holding the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H by pressing the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> thereto. In this case, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is pressed within a predetermined range of a plate-shaped surface of the pressing member <b>20</b>B.

0675However, the pressing member <b>20</b>B is not limited to the above-description and may use different pressing member. Then, an example different from that according to the twenty-sixth embodiment is illustrated hereinafter.

0676The structure according to the twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth, basically, the structures are the same as that according to the twenty-sixth embodiment. Therefore, the same members are designated by the same reference numerals and are not described. Only different portions are described in detail.

0677First, a description is given of an image pick-up device unit according to the twenty-seventh embodiment of the present invention.

0678<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 74 and 75</figref> are diagrams showing the twenty-seventh embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 74</figref> is a main-part exploded perspective view showing the disassembled image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 75</figref> is a main-part enlarged sectional perspective view showing an enlarged part of the image pick-up device unit, namely showing the cross section and an enlarged attaching portion of the dust-proofing member and the pressing member.

0679According to the twenty-seventh embodiment, a pressing member <b>20</b>C has a plurality of (three, according to the present embodiment) convex portions <b>20</b>Cd on the surface onto which the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> should be abutted. When the pressing member <b>20</b>C is attached to an image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>R, the convex portions <b>20</b>Cd are arranged projecting toward the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by press working, etc.

0680Similarly to the case according to the twenty-sixth embodiment, the pressing member <b>20</b>C is fixed to screw holes of the pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Gg of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G via the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> interposed by the fixing screws <b>20</b><i>a</i>. Thus, the edge portions of the convex portions <b>20</b>Cd of the pressing member <b>20</b>C are abutted onto the predetermined positions of the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, thereby pressing the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. Therefore, the pressing member <b>20</b>C presses the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> with point contact at the plurality of convex portions <b>20</b>Cd.

0681According to the twenty-sixth embodiment, the projecting portion <b>23</b>Ha is arranged to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H and, thus, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H functions as a position regulating member for positioning the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> upon arranging the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. However, this is omitted in the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G according to the twenty-seventh embodiment.

0682That is, according to the twenty-seventh embodiment, the pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Gg formed to fix the pressing member <b>20</b>C for fixing and holding the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by the screw functions as the position regulating member of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0683Other structure is the same as that according to the twenty-sixth embodiment.

0684According to the twenty-seventh embodiment, the structure of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G is the same as that of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G according to the twenty-fifth embodiment and therefore is designated by the same reference numeral (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 70</figref>).

0685As mentioned above, according to the twenty-seventh embodiment, the convex portion <b>20</b>Cd is arranged to the pressing member <b>20</b>C, thereby pressing the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> with point contact.

0686According to the twenty-seventh embodiment, the same advantages as those according to the sixth embodiment are obtained. In addition, as compared with the structure in which the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is pressed by the plain surface according to the twenty-sixth embodiment, the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is pressed with the point contact, thereby preventing the obstruction of the pressing member <b>20</b>C against the vibrations of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and obtaining the stable vibrations of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0687Next, a description is given of an image pick-up device unit according to the twenty-eighth embodiment of the present invention.

0688<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 76 and 77</figref> are diagrams showing the twenty-eighth embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 76</figref> is a main-part exploded perspective view showing the disassembled image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 77</figref> is a main-part enlarged sectional perspective view showing an enlarged part of the image pick-up device unit, namely showing the cross section and an enlarged attaching portion of the dust-proofing member and the pressing member.

0689According to the twenty-eighth embodiment, a pressing member <b>20</b>D has a convex groove <b>20</b>De which should be abutted onto the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> in the circumferential direction thereof. When the pressing member <b>20</b>D is attached to an image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>S, the convex groove <b>20</b>De is arranged projecting toward the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by press working, etc.

0690Similarly to the case according to the twenty-seventh embodiment, the pressing member <b>20</b>D is fixed to the screw hole of the pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Gg of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G via the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> interposed by the fixing screw <b>20</b><i>a</i>. Thus, the edge portion of the convex groove <b>20</b>De of the pressing member <b>20</b>D is abutted to the predetermined portion of the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, thereby pressing the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. Therefore, the pressing member <b>20</b>D presses a predetermined portion at the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> with line contact by the convex groove <b>20</b>De.

0691According to the twenty-eighth embodiment, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G is used similarly to the case according to the twenty-seventh embodiment. That is, the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>G obtained by omitting the projecting portion <b>23</b>Ha according to the twenty-sixth embodiment from the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>Ha is used. The pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Gg controls the position of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0692Other structure is the same as that according to the twenty-sixth or the twenty-seventh embodiment.

0693As mentioned above, according to the twenty-eighth embodiment, the convex groove <b>20</b>De is arranged to the pressing member <b>20</b>D, thereby pressing the dust-proofing filter with line contact.

0694Therefore, according to the twenty-eighth embodiment, the same advantages as those according to the twenty-sixth embodiment are obtained. In addition, as compared with the structure in which the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is pressed by the plain surface according to the twenty-sixth embodiment, the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is pressed with the line contact, thereby preventing the obstruction of the pressing member <b>20</b>D against the vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and obtaining the stable vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0695According to the twenty-sixth to twenty-eighth embodiments, so-called screw-fastening type fixing means using the fixing screw <b>20</b><i>a </i>is used as the means for fixing the pressing member (<b>20</b>B, <b>20</b>C, or <b>20</b>D) to the dust-proofing filter supporting member (<b>23</b>G or <b>23</b>H).

0696However, the fixing means of the pressing member is not limited to the foregoing. The pressing member may be fixed and held to the dust-proofing filter supporting member via the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> interposed.

0697Then, a description is given of an example using fixing means of the pressing member different from the screw-fastening type one according to the twenty-sixth to twenty-eighth embodiments.

0698The structure according to the twenty-ninth to thirty-first embodiments is basically the same as that according to the twenty-sixth embodiment. Therefore, the same components are not described and are designated by the same reference numerals. Only different portions are described in detail.

0699First, according to the twenty-ninth embodiment, an image pick-up device unit will be described.

0700<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 78 to 82</figref> are diagrams according to the twenty-ninth embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 78</figref> is a main-part exploded perspective view showing the disassembled image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 79</figref> is a perspective view showing the assembled image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 80</figref> is a sectional view along a line <b>80</b>-<b>80</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 79</figref>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 81</figref> is a perspective view showing a state of assembling the pressing member to the image pick-up device unit. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 82</figref> is a main-part enlarged sectional perspective view showing the cross section of an enlarged part of the image pick-up device, namely showing the dust-proofing member and an attaching portion of the pressing member.

0701According to the twenty-ninth embodiment, means for fixing a pressing member <b>20</b>E in an image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>T to a dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>J is so-called fitting type fixing means using no screw. Thus, the pressing member <b>20</b>E made of an elastic member such as a plate-shaped spring, with a circular shape, has a plurality of (three, according to the twenty-ninth embodiment) convex pieces <b>20</b>Eb toward the outside at the peripheral portion thereof. Substantially semi-circular-shaped notches are formed at the edges of the convex pieces <b>20</b>Eb.

0702On the other hand, according to the twenty-ninth embodiment, in place of the pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Hg according to the twenty-sixth embodiment, a pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Jh functioning as the pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Hg is formed to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>J. The pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Jh has the same function as that of the projecting portion <b>23</b>Ha according to the twenty-sixth embodiment, that is, has one function for regulating the position of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and another function for fixing and holding the pressing member <b>20</b>E. Therefore, according to the twenty-ninth embodiment, similarly to the cases according to the twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth embodiments, the projecting portion <b>23</b>Ha according to the twenty-sixth embodiment is omitted.

0703A fitting convex portion <b>23</b>Ji having a circumferential groove <b>23</b>Jj (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 80</figref>) at the base portion is projected at the edge portion of the pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Jh so as to fit a convex piece <b>20</b>Eb of the pressing member <b>20</b>E.

0704Thus, the semi-circular notch portions formed to the plurality of convex pieces <b>20</b>Eb of the pressing member <b>20</b>E are fit to the circumferential grooves <b>23</b>Jj of the fitting convex portions <b>23</b>Ji provided for a plurality of pressing member fixing portions <b>23</b>Jh, thereby attaching the pressing member <b>20</b>E to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>J via the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> interposed.

0705In a status in which the pressing member <b>20</b>E is attached to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>J, a circular-shaped plate portion of the pressing member <b>20</b>E is abutted on a predetermined position of the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and presses the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> toward the side of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>J by the elastic force thereof.

0706The pressing member <b>20</b>E is fit to the circumferential groove <b>23</b>Jj of the fitting convex portion <b>23</b>Ji arranged to the pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Hj of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>J by the following sequence.

0707That is, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 81</figref>, the pressing member <b>20</b>E is bent with a convex shape in a predetermined direction against the elastic force thereof, namely, toward the outside from the front surface of the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>T. In this state, the plurality of convex pieces <b>20</b>Eb of the pressing member <b>20</b>E are arranged at positions for being fit to the circumferential grooves <b>23</b>Jj of the fitting convex portions <b>23</b>Ji. By releasing the force amount against the elastic force applied to the pressing member <b>20</b>E in this state, the pressing member <b>20</b>E is restored to a predetermined form by the elastic force thereof and the notch portions of the convex pieces <b>20</b>Eb are fit to the circumferential grooves <b>23</b>Jj of the fitting convex portions <b>23</b>Ji.

0708Other structure is the same as that according to the twenty-sixth embodiment.

0709With the above-described structure, the same advantages as those according to the twenty-sixth embodiment are obtained. In addition, according to twenty-ninth embodiment, the pressing member <b>20</b>E is the fitting-type fixing means and therefore the assembling process is simplified upon fixing the pressing member <b>20</b>E at the predetermined position of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>J. As compared with the screw-fastening type fixing means, working for attaching the pressing member <b>20</b>E is simplified. Thus, the manufacturing process is made efficient and the productivity is improved. Further, this contributes to the reduction in manufacturing costs.

0710According to the twenty-ninth embodiment, the fitting type pressing member can easily be pressed at the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> with point contact or with line contact similarly to the twenty-seventh and the twenty-eighth embodiments. An example of this structure will be described according to the thirtieth embodiment (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 83</figref>) and the thirty-first embodiment (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 84</figref>) of the present invention.

0711<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 83</figref> is a main-part enlarged sectional perspective view showing a cross section of an enlarged part of an image pick-up device unit according to thirtieth embodiment of the present invention, namely showing an attaching portion of the dust-proofing member and the pressing member.

0712According to the thirtieth embodiment, similarly to the case according to the twenty-seventh embodiment (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 74 and 75</figref>), a pressing member <b>20</b>F in the image pick-up device unit has a plurality of (three, in the present embodiment) convex portions <b>20</b>Fd on the surface to be abutted on the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. The convex portions <b>20</b>Fd are formed similarly to the convex portions <b>20</b>Cd of the pressing member <b>20</b>C according to the twenty-seventh embodiment.

0713Similarly to the case according to the twenty-ninth embodiment, a convex piece <b>20</b>Fb of the pressing member <b>20</b>F is fit to the circumferential groove <b>23</b>Jj of the fitting convex portion <b>23</b>Ji of the pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Jh of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>J. Thus, the pressing member <b>20</b>F is jointed to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>J via the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> interposed. As a result of the jointing, edge portions of a plurality of convex portions <b>20</b>Fd of the pressing member <b>20</b>F come into contact predetermined portions at the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, thus to press the contact portions. Therefore, the pressing member <b>20</b>F presses the peripheral portions of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> at a plurality of convex portions <b>20</b>Fd with point contact.

0714According to the thirtieth embodiment, the projecting portion <b>23</b>Ha of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H according to the twenty-sixth embodiment is omitted. A pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Hh formed for fitting and fixing the pressing member <b>20</b>F, which fixes and holds the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, functions as the position regulating member of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0715Other structure is the same as that according to the twenty-sixth embodiment.

0716According to the thirtieth embodiment, with the above-described structure, the pressing member <b>20</b>F is a fitting type member and the convex portions <b>20</b>Fd are formed to the pressing member <b>20</b>F, thereby pressing the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> with point contact.

0717Consequently, according to the thirtieth embodiment, the same advantages as those according to the twenty-ninth embodiment are obtained. In addition, according to the thirtieth embodiment, the peripheral portions of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> are pressed with the point contact. As compared with the structure in which the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is pressed with the plain surface according to the twenty-ninth embodiment, the obstruction of the pressing member <b>20</b>F against the vibrations of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is suppressed and the vibrations of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> are stably obtained.

0718<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 84</figref> is a main-part enlarged sectional perspective view showing a cross section of an enlarged part of an image pick-up device unit according to thirty-first embodiment of the present invention, namely showing an attaching portion of the dust-proofing member and the pressing member.

0719According to the thirty-first embodiment, similarly to the case according to the twenty-eighth embodiment (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 76 and 77</figref>), a pressing member <b>20</b>G in the image pick-up device unit has a circular-shaped convex groove <b>20</b>Ge along the circumferential direction on the surface which should be abutted on the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. The convex groove <b>20</b>Ge is formed substantially similarly to the convex groove <b>20</b>De of the pressing member <b>20</b>D according to the twenty-eighth embodiment.

0720Similarly to the twenty-eighth embodiment, the convex piece <b>20</b>Gb of the pressing member <b>20</b>G is fit to the circumferential groove <b>23</b>Jj of the fitting convex portion <b>23</b>Ji of the pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Jh in the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>J. Thus, the pressing member <b>20</b>G is jointed to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>J via the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> interposed. As a result of the jointing, edge portions of the convex groove <b>20</b>Ge of the pressing member <b>20</b>G are abutted onto predetermined portions at the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, thus to press the contact portions. Therefore, the pressing member <b>20</b>G presses the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> at the convex groove <b>20</b>Ge with line contact.

0721According to the thirty-first embodiment, the projecting portion <b>23</b>Ha of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>H according to the twenty-sixth embodiment is omitted. The pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Jh formed for fitting and fixing the pressing member <b>20</b>G for fixing and holding the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> functions as the position regulating member of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0722Other structure is the same as that according to the twenty-sixth embodiment.

0723According to the thirty-first embodiment, with the above-described structure, the convex groove <b>20</b>Ge is formed to the pressing member <b>20</b>G, thereby pressing the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> with line contact.

0724Consequently, according to the thirty-first embodiment, the same advantages as those according to the twenty-ninth embodiment are obtained. In addition, according to the thirty-first embodiment, the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is pressed with line contact. As compared with the structure in which the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is pressed with the plain surface according to the twenty-ninth embodiment, the obstruction of the pressing member <b>20</b>G against the vibrations of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is suppressed and the vibrations of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> are stably obtained.

0725The twenty-sixth to thirty-first embodiments use the example of applying the elastic member such as the plate-shaped spring with a circular shape, as the pressing member for pressing the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> in the predetermined direction and for airtightly jointing, fixing, and holding the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>. However, the shape of the pressing member is not limited to be circular and may be formed with another shape. Then, a description is given of another example of the shape of the pressing member in an image pick-up device unit.

0726First, an image pick-up device unit will be described hereinbelow according to the thirty-second embodiment of the present invention.

0727According to the thirty-second embodiment, basically, the structure is the same as that according to the first embodiment. According to the thirty-second embodiment, only shapes of the dust-proofing filter supporting member forming a part of the sealing structure and the pressing member for jointing, for fixing and holding, the dust-proofing filter (dust-proofing member) to the dust-proofing filter supporting member are different from those according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the same structure as that according to the first embodiment is described by using the same reference numeral. The structure of the entire camera is referred to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> used for the description of the first embodiment.

0728According to the thirty-second embodiment, with respect to the image pick-up device unit in the camera, mainly, the structures of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> and the pressing member <b>20</b> for fixing and holding the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> are described in detail with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 5</figref> used for the description of the first embodiment.

0729Similarly to the image pick-up device units according to the above embodiments, in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b> according to the thirty-second embodiment, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is fixed and held to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> by a plurality of pressing members <b>20</b> made of the elastic member such as the plate-shaped spring to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>. Thus, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is airtightly jointed to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>.

0730A plurality of (three, according to the thirty-second embodiment) projecting portions <b>23</b><i>a </i>as the pressing member fixing portions are projected toward the front side of the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b> at the predetermined position near the outer peripheral portion in front of the dust-proofing filer supporting member <b>23</b>. The projecting portions <b>23</b><i>a </i>are formed for fixing the pressing member <b>20</b> which fixes and holds the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. The pressing member <b>20</b> is fixed to edge portions of the projecting portions <b>23</b><i>a </i>by the fixing screw <b>20</b><i>a </i>as predetermined fastening means.

0731The pressing member <b>20</b> is made of an elastic member such as a plate-shaped spring, and is fixed to the projecting portion <b>23</b><i>a </i>at the base end portion thereof. A free end portion of the pressing member <b>20</b> is abutted onto an outer peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, thereby pressing the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> to the side of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>, that is, toward the optical axis direction.

0732A convex portion <b>20</b><i>d </i>similar to the convex portion <b>20</b>Cd of the pressing member <b>20</b>C according to the twenty-seventh embodiment is formed near the edge portion of the pressing member <b>20</b> (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref>).

0733That is, according to the thirty-second embodiment, convex portions <b>20</b><i>d </i>are formed to the surface on which a plurality of pressing members <b>20</b> should be abutted on the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. Upon attaching the pressing members <b>20</b> to the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>, the convex portion <b>20</b><i>d </i>is formed by, e.g., press working, projecting toward the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. The formation of the convex portion <b>20</b><i>d </i>to the pressing member <b>20</b> presses the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> with point contact according to the thirty-second embodiment.

0734With the above-mentioned structure, in the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>, dust and the like adhered to the exposing surface in front of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> are removed by applying a periodic voltage to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> arranged integrally with the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and by thus applying predetermined vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0735The same operations as those according to the first embodiment are obtained upon removing dust and the like adhered to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by applying the periodic voltage to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> and by thus applying the predetermined vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 to 11</figref>) As mentioned above, according to the thirty-second embodiment, the same advantages as those according to the first embodiment are obtained.

0736Further, according to the thirty-second embodiment, the holding structure for pressing and fixing the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> (dust-proofing member) to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> (sealing structure) comprises a plurality of pressing members <b>20</b>, thus to press a plurality of portions of the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0737In other words, the number of pressing portions of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> using the pressing member <b>20</b> are limited to a plural number. Upon vibrating the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by the operation of the piezoelectric element <b>22</b>, as compared with the case of applying the pressing member comprising one member with a circular shape according to the twenty-sixth to thirty-first embodiments, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is pressed toward the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> in an accurate and stable state without the obstruction against the vibrations of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0738According to the thirty-second embodiment, a plurality of pressing members <b>20</b> are made of the elastic member such as the plate-shaped spring, and the convex portion <b>20</b><i>d </i>is formed to the surface thereof which is abutted onto the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0739On the other hand, the convex portion <b>20</b><i>d </i>may be not formed to the plurality of pressing members <b>20</b>. The plurality of pressing members <b>20</b> may use plain-shaped pressing members (similar to that according to the twenty-sixth embodiment). In place of the convex portion <b>20</b><i>d</i>, the plurality of pressing members <b>20</b> may use the pressing member having convex grooves (similar to that according to the twenty-eighth embodiment).

0740According to the thirty-second embodiment, the screw-fastening type fixing means using the fixing screw <b>20</b><i>a </i>is used as the means for fixing the plurality of pressing members <b>20</b> to the dust-proofing filter supporting member. However, another fixing means is considered. Hereinbelow, a description is given of a pressing member different from that according to the thirty-second embodiment.

0741According to the thirty-third to thirty-ninth embodiments, basically, the structure is the same as that according to the thirty-second embodiment. Therefore, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals and are not described. Only different portions are described in detail.

0742Hereinbelow, a description is given of an image pick-up device unit according to the thirty-third embodiment.

0743<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 85 to 88</figref> show the thirty-third embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 85</figref> is a perspective view schematically showing the image pick-up device unit according to the thirty-third embodiment. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 86</figref> is a main-part enlarged exploded perspective view showing enlarged parts of the pressing member and the pressing member fixing portion. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 87 and 88</figref> are operational diagrams showing the sequence of attaching and fixing the pressing member to the pressing member fixing portion.

0744Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 85 and 86</figref>, according to the thirty-third embodiment, a pressing member <b>20</b>H has a convex portion <b>20</b>Hd on the surface on which it should be abutted onto the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. Upon attaching the pressing member <b>20</b>H to an image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>U, the convex portion <b>20</b>Hd is formed by, e.g., press working, projecting toward the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. A pear-shaped piercing hole <b>20</b>Hc which is formed by connecting a large-diameter portion and a small-diameter portion and a notch portion <b>20</b>Hf are formed at predetermined positions in a proximal end portion <b>20</b>Hb of the pressing member <b>20</b>H.

0745On the contrary, a plurality of (three, in the present embodiment) pressing member fixing portions <b>23</b>Ka are formed, projecting toward the front side of a dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>K, at predetermined positions near the outer peripheral portion in front of a dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>K forming a part of the sealing structure of the image pick-up device unit <b>15</b>U. The pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Ka is formed for fixing a plurality of pressing members <b>20</b>H which fixes and holds the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0746Therefore, the pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Ka has, onto the edge portion thereof, a fitting convex portion <b>23</b>Ki having a circumferential groove <b>23</b>Kj (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 86</figref>) for fitting the piercing hole <b>20</b>Hc of the pressing member <b>20</b>H at the base portion thereof and a projecting portion <b>23</b>Kk engaged to the notch portion <b>20</b>Hf of the pressing member <b>20</b>H, for positioning the notch portion <b>20</b>Hf.

0747Other structure is the same as that according to the thirty-second embodiment.

0748With the above-described structure, upon attaching the pressing member <b>20</b>H to the pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Ka of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>K, the fitting convex portion <b>23</b>Ki of the pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Ka is fit to the large-diameter portion of the piercing hole Hc of the pressing member <b>20</b>H, thereby entering a status shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 87</figref>.

0749In this status, the pressing member <b>20</b>H is slid in the direction shown by an arrow H in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 87</figref>. Then, the small-diameter portion of the piecing hole <b>20</b>Hc of the pressing member <b>20</b>H is fit to the circumferential groove <b>23</b>Kj of the fitting convex portion <b>23</b>Ki in the pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Ka. Further, by sliding the pressing member <b>20</b>H in the direction shown by the arrow H, the notch portion <b>20</b>Hf of the pressing member <b>20</b>H is engaged to the fitting convex portion <b>23</b>Ki of the pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Ka, thereby entering the status shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 88</figref>.

0750In this case, by fitting the small-diameter portion of the piercing hole Hc of the pressing member <b>20</b>H to the circumferential groove <b>23</b>Kj of the fitting convex portion <b>23</b>Ki in the pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Ka, the movement of the pressing member <b>20</b>H in the direction shown by an arrow J in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 88</figref> is prevented. Further, by engaging the notch portion <b>20</b>Hf of the pressing member <b>20</b>H to the fitting convex portion <b>23</b>Ki of the pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Ka, the pressing member <b>20</b>H regulates the rotation of the notch portion <b>20</b>Hf in the direction shown by an arrow k with the fitting convex portion <b>23</b>Ki of the pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Ka as center. Thus, the pressing member <b>20</b>H is accurately fixed to the pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Ka.

0751As mentioned above, the convex portions <b>20</b>Hd of the pressing members <b>20</b>H press a plurality of predetermined portions at the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by fitting and fixing the pressing member <b>20</b>H to the pressing member fixing portion <b>23</b>Ka of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>K via the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> interposed. Consequently, the pressing member <b>20</b>H presses the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> at a plurality of portions at the peripheral portion thereof with point contact.

0752As mentioned above, according to the thirty-third embodiment, the means for fixing the plurality of pressing members <b>20</b>H to the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b>K is the so-called fitting-type fixing means without the screw or the like. Thus, the assembling process upon manufacturing is simplified and this contributes to the improvement in efficiency of the manufacturing process. Further, this contributes to the reduction in manufacturing costs.

0753<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 89</figref> is a main-part enlarged exploded perspective view showing by extracting a part of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to the thirty-fourth embodiment of the present invention, namely showing an example of a pressing member <b>20</b>J when the convex portions <b>20</b>Hd are omitted from the pressing members <b>20</b>H according to the thirty-third embodiment. Other structure is the same as that according to the thirty-third embodiment.

0754According to the thirty-fourth embodiment, the pressing member <b>20</b>J is pressed to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> at a plurality of portions with plane contact. That is, the pressing member <b>20</b>J presses the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> with plane contact. However, as compared with the case of using the circular-shaped pressing member according to the twenty-sixth to thirty-first embodiments, the contact area becomes small. Therefore, a factor against the vibrations of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is small.

0755<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 90</figref> is a main-part enlarged exploded perspective view showing by extracting a part of an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to the thirty-fifth embodiment of the present invention, namely showing an example of a pressing member <b>20</b>K when a convex groove <b>20</b>Ce is formed in place of the convex portion <b>20</b>Hd of the pressing member <b>20</b>H. Other structure is the same as that according to the thirty-third embodiment.

0756According to the thirty-fifth embodiment, the pressing member <b>20</b>K presses the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> with line contact at a plurality of positions.

0757According to the above embodiments, the pressing member is made of the elastic member such as the plate-shaped spring. In views of the elastic force and the intensity of the member necessary for pressing and fixing the pressing member to the dust-proofing filter supporting member (sealing structure), the material of the pressing member is generally made of metal.

0758However, when the pressing member is made of only a hard material such as metal, the vibrations of the dust-proofing filter are inhibited at the contact portion between the pressing member and the dust-proofing filter.

0759Then, it is considered that the pressing member is made of resin such as a plastic material or a soft material such as hard rubber.

0760For example, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 91</figref> is a sectional view showing only the pressing member in a camera according to the thirty-sixth embodiment of the present invention. According to the thirty-sixth embodiment, an example is given of formation integral with the convex portion <b>30</b><i>d </i>at a predetermined portion of the pressing member <b>30</b>A.

0761According to the thirty-sixth embodiment, the pressing member <b>30</b>A is made of resin such as a plastic material or a soft material such as hard rubber, having elastic force. In this case, the convex portion <b>30</b><i>d </i>of the pressing member <b>30</b>A may be formed with the shape of the convex portion <b>20</b>Hd (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 88</figref>) of the pressing member <b>20</b>H according to the thirty-third embodiment or the shape of the convex portion <b>20</b>Ke (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 90</figref>) of the pressing member <b>20</b>K according to the thirty-fifth embodiment. In this case, the convex portion <b>30</b><i>d </i>of the pressing member <b>30</b>A presses a predetermined circular-shaped area of the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> with point contact or with the line contact.

0762Other structure is the same as that according to the thirty-second to thirty-fifth embodiments.

0763According to the thirty-sixth embodiment, the material of the pressing member <b>30</b>A is changed. Thus, the pressing member <b>30</b>A can be easily applied to the circular-shaped pressing member according to the twenty-sixth to thirty-first embodiments.

0764Depending on a pressing member, the elastic force is further necessary as compared with the pressing member <b>30</b>A shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 91</figref>. A pressing member shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 92</figref> is applied to one requiring the larger elastic-force.

0765<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 92</figref> is a sectional view showing only a pressing member according to the thirty-seventh embodiment of the present invention.

0766According to the thirty-seventh embodiment, the pressing member <b>30</b>B has the member <b>32</b> made of the similar material as that of the pressing member <b>30</b>A (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 91</figref>) according to the thirty-sixth embodiment with the similar shape around a plate-shaped metal member <b>31</b>.

0767In other words, upon attaching the pressing member <b>30</b>B to the dust-proofing filter supporting member (<b>23</b>C), a convex portion <b>30</b><i>d </i>is formed at a portion where the pressing member <b>30</b>B should be abutted onto the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0768As mentioned above, according to the thirty-sixth and thirty-seventh embodiments (refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 91 and 92</figref>), at least the portion which is abutted on the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> in the pressing members <b>30</b>A and <b>30</b>B, namely, the convex portion <b>30</b><i>d </i>is made of the resin such as a plastic material or of hard rubber.

0769In the image pick-up device unit (<b>15</b>) using the thus-formed pressing member <b>30</b>A or <b>30</b>B, upon applying the predetermined vibrations to the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by applying the periodic voltage to the piezoelectric element <b>22</b> at a predetermined timing, it is suppressed that the vibration of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is transmitted to the pressing member <b>30</b>A or <b>30</b>B itself.

0770The material to be vibrated for the purpose of the dust-proofing is only the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and another member does not need to be vibrated. However, the pressing members <b>30</b>A and <b>30</b>B absorb the vibration transmitted from the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> by making the convex portion <b>30</b><i>d </i>of the pressing members <b>30</b>A and <b>30</b>B of the soft material.

0771Therefore, the pressing members <b>30</b>A and <b>30</b>B press the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> toward the dust-proofing filter supporting member (<b>23</b>) and form a part of the holding structure for fixing and holding the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> while holding the contact state between the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> and the dust-proofing filter supporting member (<b>23</b>). Further, the pressing members <b>30</b>A and <b>30</b>B function as members for absorbing the vibrations which suppress the transmission of the vibrations to another member via the pressing members <b>30</b>A and <b>30</b>B interposed from the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0772A pressing member also functioning as the member for absorbing the vibrations is considered as follows.

0773That is, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 93 and 94</figref> are diagrams showing the thirty-eighth embodiment of the present invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 93</figref> is a sectional view showing by extracting only a pressing member. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 94</figref> is a main-part enlarged sectional view showing an enlarged part of an image pick-up device unit using the pressing member shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 93</figref>.

0774According to the thirty-eighth embodiment, the pressing member <b>30</b>C is made of a hard material such as metal, and comprises a plate-shaped spring member <b>34</b> having elastic force and a vibration absorbing member <b>33</b> arranged at a predetermined position of the plate-shaped spring member <b>34</b>.

0775The vibration absorbing member <b>33</b> is made of a soft material, e.g., felt, urethane, soft plastic, or rubber, and is adhered to a predetermined position of the plate-shaped spring member <b>34</b> by an adhesive or a two-sided tape.

0776Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 94</figref>, in a state in which the pressing member <b>30</b>C is fixed to the projecting portion <b>23</b><i>a </i>of the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> by the fixing screw <b>20</b><i>a</i>, the vibration absorbing member <b>33</b> adhered to the pressing member <b>30</b>C is set to be abutted on a portion as a node for the vibrations of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0777Other structure is the same as that according to the thirty-second embodiment.

0778As mentioned above, according to the thirty-eighth embodiment, the pressing member <b>30</b>C is formed by adhering the vibration absorbing member <b>33</b> at the predetermined position of the plate-shaped spring member <b>34</b> as the plate-shaped hard member having the elastic force. Thus, as compared with the case in which the contact shape between the pressing member <b>30</b>C and the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> becomes a point or a line, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is pressed with a slightly wide range. Therefore, the pressing operation is accurately performed and the vibrations are stably ensured without inhibiting the vibrations of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>.

0779In addition, the pressing member <b>30</b>C is made with an extremely simple structure and, therefore, this contributes to the improvement in efficiency of the manufacturing and to the reduction in manufacturing costs.

0780Meanwhile, according to the twenty-sixth embodiment, the pressing member <b>20</b>B forming a part of the holding structure is formed with the circular shape. Thus, the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is pressed. Consequently, the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is covered with the pressing member <b>20</b>A.

0781As mentioned above, the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is formed of an optical member opposed to the image pick-up device <b>27</b> in the front thereof at a predetermined interval. The dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> is arranged on the optical path of the subject beams which are transmitted through the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>and reach the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>.

0782In this case, through the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, laser beams (hereinafter, referred to as harmful beams) are transmitted, except for the laser beams contributing to the transmission through the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a </i>and to the formation of the subject image onto the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>. The harmful beams are mixed in a predetermined area on the photoelectrically converting surface, namely, an area where the image signal for display or recording operation is to be obtained and, then, flare, ghost, etc. are caused on the image formed based on the captured image signal. Further, the flare, ghost, etc. exert an adverse influence on the color, brightness, contrast, etc., thereby deteriorating the picture quality.

0783Means for solving the problems are described hereinbelow.

0784<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 95</figref> is a perspective view showing only a pressing member used for an image pick-up device unit in a camera according to the thirty-ninth embodiment of the present invention.

0785According to the thirty-ninth embodiment, the circular-shaped pressing member is used and this structure is the same as that according to the twenty-sixth to thirty-first embodiments and only the pressing member is different. Therefore, the same structure as that according to the twenty-sixth embodiment is not illustrated and is not described in detail, only the different member (pressing member) is described hereinbelow.

0786According to the thirty-ninth embodiment, a pressing member <b>20</b>L forming a part of a holding structure is made of an elastic member such as a plate-shaped spring, and has a rectangular-shaped opening <b>20</b>Ln substantially in the center thereof. The opening <b>20</b>Ln has a shape corresponding to a valid area of the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>, and the shape is set so that only the beams contributing to the formation of the subject image are transmitted.

0787In other words, according to the thirty-ninth embodiment, the pressing member <b>20</b>L has a function for pressing the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> toward the dust-proofing filter supporting member <b>23</b> and for fixing and holding the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>. In addition, according to the thirty-ninth embodiment, the pressing member <b>20</b>L has a function for limiting the passage of transmitted beams upon transmitting the subject beams after being transmitted through the photographing optical system <b>12</b><i>a</i>, through the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, and for stopping the beams reaching the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>.

0788That is, the pressing member <b>20</b>L has a function for suppressing the reach of the harmful beams to the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>.

0789Other structure is the same as that according to the twenty-sixth embodiment.

0790As mentioned above, according to the thirty-ninth embodiment, the opening <b>20</b>Ln of the pressing member <b>20</b>L is formed with a rectangular shape corresponding to the photoelectrically converting surface of the image pick-up device <b>27</b>. In this case, the pressing member <b>20</b>L is formed with the shape for covering the adjacent portion of the peripheral portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> pressed by the pressing member <b>20</b>L, namely, the portion other than the predetermined portion of the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b> corresponding to the opening <b>20</b>Ln of the pressing member <b>20</b>L. Therefore, the pressing member <b>20</b>L has a stop function for limiting the passage of the beams other than the valid beams contributing to the formation of the image formed by the beams incident on the dust-proofing filter <b>21</b>, that is, the passage of the harmful beams causing the flare, ghost, etc.

0791Consequently, the occurrence of the flare, ghost, etc. is suppressed and, a preferable image signal is displayed or is recorded. The image displayed based on the image signal assures a preferable picture quality.

0792According to the above embodiments, the example is given of the camera in which the image pick-up optical system is detachably attached to the main body unit of the camera, that is, the interchangeable single-lens reflex camera, and is described in detail. The configuration of the camera is not limited to the above description and the spirit of the present invention does not necessarily require this configuration.

0793It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise disclosed embodiments, and various changes and modifications thereof can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.